Temporary EI Measures 2025 to 2027: No Waiting Week, Extra Weeks

Temporary EI measures waive the one-week waiting period for new claims starting March 30, 2025 to October 9, 2027, stop separation pay from being deducted, review only your most recent reason for leaving a job, and give long-tenured workers up to 20 extra weeks, to a maximum of 65.

By Sarah Moglin Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

Last verified November 11, 2026 How we check our facts

The four measures

Measure	Applies to claims starting
No one-week waiting period	March 30, 2025 to October 9, 2027
Separation pay (vacation pay, severance, pay in lieu of notice, closure bonuses, sick leave credits) not deducted	March 30, 2025 to October 9, 2027
Only your most recent reason for leaving a job is reviewed	October 11, 2026 to October 9, 2027
Up to 20 extra weeks of regular benefits (maximum 65) for long-tenured workers	June 15, 2025 to June 12, 2027

Who is a long-tenured worker?

You received fewer than 36 weeks of regular or fishing benefits in the 3 years before your claim, and
You paid at least 30% of the yearly maximum EI premiums in at least 7 of the 10 years before your claim year.

You must have received at least 1 week of regular benefits. The extra weeks are added automatically.

Most recent reason for leaving

Normally, hours from a job you quit without just cause or lost for misconduct can't be used. Under this measure, if your most recent job ended through no fault of your own, all your hours count.

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

Employment Insurance (EI) 2026: Who Qualifies and How Much Employment Insurance pays up to 55% of your average insurable earnings, to a maximum of $729 a week in 2026, if you lose your job through no fault of your own or can't work because of illness, a new child or caring for someone. Most people need 420 to 700 insured work hours. EI Eligibility: How Many Hours You Need to Qualify (2026) To qualify for EI regular benefits you need between 420 and 700 hours of insurable work in the last 52 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate where you live. You must have lost your job through no fault of your own, been without work and pay for 7 days, and be ready and looking for work. 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.

Frequently asked questions

Is there still a waiting week for EI?

Not for new claims starting between March 30, 2025 and October 9, 2027. The waiting period is waived.

Do I need to apply for the extra 20 weeks?

No. If you qualify as a long-tenured worker, they are added to your claim automatically.

Sources

Temporary EI measures (canada.ca, 2026-10-06) (canada.ca)

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