Waiting Period Waived for Employment Insurance Claims

Friday, January 29, 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, provinces and territories are announcing further restrictions to slow the spread of the virus. The Government of Canada continues to provide assistance to people who are out of work or working fewer hours due to the pandemic through Recovery Benefits and a more flexible and accessible Employment Insurance (EI) program.

In response to the increase in people needing support, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion announced EI regulations will be amended to temporarily waive the waiting period for EI claimants who establish a new claim between January 31, 2021, and September 25, 2021. This includes claimants of regular, fishing and special benefits.

This temporary change will allow people who are applying for benefits to be paid for their first week of unemployment. It will also help ease their heightened financial stress at a time of great uncertainty.

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