Update, October 21, 2026. These measures were due to end on October 10, 2026. They have been extended to October 9, 2027 (to June 12, 2027 for the 20 extra weeks), and a new rule has been added: only the reason for your most recent separation is examined. The dates below have been updated; the details of the extension are in our article on the extended measures.
Temporary measures to get Employment Insurance faster. In response to major economic changes, the federal government has put in place temporary measures that make Employment Insurance (EI) easier to access, according to the Government of Canada. They now apply until October 9, 2027. If you lose your job, they can make a real difference.
No more waiting week. Normally there is a first unpaid week before benefits begin, a bit like an insurance deductible. This waiting period is waived for all new EI claims that start between March 30, 2025, and October 9, 2027. The result: you get paid sooner.
Your severance no longer delays your benefits. Usually, money received when you leave a job — vacation pay, severance pay, pay in lieu of notice — is allocated and delays your benefit payments. Under the temporary measure, if your claim starts in the same period, these amounts are not deducted from your benefits.
Up to 20 more weeks for some. Long-tenured workers may receive 20 additional weeks of regular benefits, up to a maximum of 65 weeks, under certain conditions (a claim that starts between June 15, 2025, and June 12, 2027, having already received at least one week of regular benefits, and meeting the long-tenured worker definition). If you qualify, the weeks are added automatically.
Good to know for newcomers. Apply for EI as soon as you stop working — that is what decides whether you can be paid, and from when. Note: EI requires a number of insurable hours worked in Canada, and these measures are temporary (they end on October 9, 2027). To understand the basic conditions, see our guide to Employment Insurance.
