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Service Canada

After You Apply for EI: Decision, First Payment and Access Code

Service Canada aims to decide on EI claims within 28 days, and your first payment usually arrives about 28 days after you apply if you're eligible. A benefit statement with your 4-digit access code comes by mail; you need it for your reports every 2 weeks.

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What happens next

WhenWhat
Shortly after you applyA benefit statement with your 4-digit access code arrives by mail
Every 2 weeksYou complete your EI report online or by phone
Within 28 days (80% of the time)Service Canada makes a decision
About 28 days after applyingYour first payment, if you're eligible and sent everything needed

Waiting period

Normally the first week of a claim is unpaid. Under a temporary measure, this waiting period is waived for new claims starting between March 30, 2025 and October 9, 2027.

Check your claim online

In My Service Canada Account you can see your claim status and messages, your records of employment, and, once processed, your start and end dates, weekly rate and weeks of entitlement.

Avoid delays

  • Send any documents asked for.
  • Check that your records of employment are on file.
  • Submit your reports on time, even while waiting for a decision.

If you're refused

You can ask for a reconsideration within 30 days of being told the decision. Send any new information as soon as possible.

Phone numbers

Employment Insurance (automated info 24/7, press 0 for an officer)

1-800-206-7218

Officers: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Automated service: 24/7.

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-877-486-1650

TTY: 1-800-529-3742

EI Telephone Reporting Service (bi-weekly reports)

1-800-531-7555

Related

EI Bi-Weekly Reports: How and When to Submit Them Submit an EI report every 2 weeks online through the Internet Reporting Service, or by phone at 1-800-531-7555. You need your SIN and the 4-digit access code from your benefit statement. You have 3 weeks from each due date to submit. How to Apply for Employment Insurance (EI) Online Apply online as soon as you stop working: waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day can cost you benefits. The application takes about 1 hour. You need your SIN, addresses, banking details and your employment details for the past 52 weeks. How to Sign In to My Service Canada Account (MSCA) Go to the official My Service Canada Account page, choose the sign-in option you registered with (Interac Sign-In Partner, GCKey, or B.C./Alberta provincial sign-in), then complete multi-factor authentication. First time? Register once using the Interac verification service or a Personal Access Code (PAC).

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get EI?

About 28 days from when you apply, if you are eligible and have provided all required information.

Where is my EI access code?

On the benefit statement mailed to you shortly after you apply.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.