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Amendments to the Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles

March 2026
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 4.4.1 has been updated to reflect recent case law (A-121-23) concerning unemployment status during a schedule vacation period with vacation pay set aside.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 - Section 4	Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 - Section 4
Chapter 19 has been revised due to in changes to the Employment Insurance Act and Regulations regarding Employment Support Measures under EIA Part II. The implementation of the regulatory changes has come into force in February 2026.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 - Section 1 Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 - Section 2 Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 - Section 3	Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 - Section 1 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 - Section 2 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 - Section 3

April 2025
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 19.2.0 has been updated following a change to Paragraph 58(a) of the Employment Insurance Act.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 - Section 2	Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 - Section 2

September 2024
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 10.12 has been updated for ease of understanding, to facilitate the adjudication of EI claims and to ensure that current entitlement principles are based on more recent jurisprudence. Also, for consistency with other recently updated chapters, the way in which references are shown and linked has been amended.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Section 12	Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Section 12

March 2024
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 18.3.4.2 has been amended to reflect that Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan earnings are now exempt from the Voluntary Disclosure Policy. Any amendments or new information regarding these earnings is considered an error correction even after the 6-week timeframe.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18 - Section 3 - Canada.ca	Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18 - Section 18.3.4.2

**November 2023**
Background	Section	Previous policy
The Chapter 24 has been rewritten to ensure current entitlement principles. References are now accessed from links within the text, rather than being shown at the end of each section. These changes should result in a better understanding of the subject and facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Chapter 24 - Benefits for the self-employed	Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Benefits for the self-employed Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 1 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 2 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 3 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 4 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 5 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 6 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 7 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 8 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 9 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 10 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 11 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 12 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 13 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 14 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 15 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 16 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 17 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 18 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 19 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 20 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 21 Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 22
Section 4.3.3 has been revised to ensure better alignment in both official languages.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 – Section 4.3.3	Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 – Section 4.3.3

**October 2023**
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 11.2.2 has been amended to add podiatrists to the list of health professionals who can sign a medical certificate for a person to receive employment insurance sickness benefits.	Chapter 11 - Sickness benefits	Archived Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 11 - Section 2

**August 2023**
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been updated for ease of understanding, to facilitate the adjudication of EI claims and to ensure that current entitlement principles are based on more recent jurisprudence. Also, for consistency with other recently updated chapters, the way in which references are shown and linked has been amended.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 7 - Misconduct	Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 7 – Section 1 Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 7 – Section 2 Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 7 – Section 3 Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 7 – Section 4

**January 2022**
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 8.5.3 has been revised to make a correction. The Budget 2021 measures alert has been removed as it does not apply to the issue of strike or lockout.	Chapter 8 - Loss of or unable to resume employment because of a stoppage of work – Section 8.5.3	Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 - Section 8.5.3

**December 2021**
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 24.10.0 has been revised to clarify that clients can request a reconsideration of the effective date or termination date of their agreement for EI benefits for the self-employed.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24.21.0	Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24.21.0 Archived - Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 24.21.1
Sections 1.4.1, 3.1.1 and 3.1.3 have been updated to reflect changes to the Administrative Policy.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 - Section 1.4.1 Effective date of a benefit period Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 3 - 3.1.1 The administrative policy Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 3 - 3.1.3 Backdate - renewal claims only	Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 - Section 1.4.1 Effective date of a benefit period Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 3 - 3.1.1 The administrative policy Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 3 - 3.1.3 Backdate - renewal claims only

**October 2021**
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 1.3.2 has been updated to clarify when employer paid leave, such as wage loss insurance payments, can be used or not to extend the qualifying period (QP).	1.3.2 Periods not counted for qualifying period extensions	Archived - 1.3.2 Periods not counted for extensions of the qualifying period

**September 2021**
Background	Section	Previous policy
The purpose of these changes is as a result of Budget Implementation Act, 2021, which is in effect from September 26, 2021 to September 24, 2022. Amendments to the Employment Insurance Act, Regulations and Fishing Regulations have been identified using information boxes, located at the beginning of any section that is affected by Budget 2021 legislation changes.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles-Chapter 1-Basic concepts Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 2 - Interruption of earnings Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 - Week of unemployment Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles-Chapter 5-Earnings Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles - Chapter 6 - Voluntary leaving employment Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 7 - Misconduct Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 - Labour disputes Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles - Chapter 9 Refusal of employment Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 11 - Sickness benefits Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 12 - Maternity benefits Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 13 - Parental benefits Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 - Teachers Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 15 - Fishing benefits Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 17 - Reconsideration, Amendment and Return of benefit Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 Employment benefits and support measures (Part II of the Employment Insurance Act) Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 22 - Family Caregiver benefits Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 23 - Compassionate care benefits Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Benefits for the self-employed	Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 - Section 2 (1.2.2, 1.2.4, 1.2.6, 1.2.8) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 - Section 3 (1.3.1.3) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 - Section 4 (1.4.6) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 - Section 5 (1.5.1, 1.5.1.2, 1.5.1.3) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 - Section 6 (1.6.1,1.6.2, 1.6.4, 1.6.6) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 - Section 9 (1.9.3) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 2 - Section 3 (2.3.2) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 - Section 1 (4.1.2) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 - Section 3 (4.3.5) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 - Section 4 (4.4.1, 4.4.6, 4.4.7) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 - Section 6 (4.6.8.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 - Section 1 (5.1.0) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 - Section 2 (5.2.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 - Section 5 (5.5.0) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 - Section 6 (5.6.2, 5.6.2.1, 5.6.2.2, 5.6.3, 5.6.3.1, 5.6.4) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 - Section 7 (5.7.2, 5.7.2.5) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 - Section 10 (5.10.2, 5.10.3, 5.10.4) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 - Section 12 (5.12.0, 5.12.1, 5.12.2, 5.12.2.1, 5.12.3, 5.12.4, 5.12.5, 5.12.6, 5.12.6.1, 5.12.7, 5.12.8, 5.12.9, 5.12.10, 5.12.11, 5.12.11.2, 5.12.11.3, 5.12.12, 5.12.13) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 - Section 13 (5.13.0, 5.13.5.2, 5.13.6.2, 5.13.8.2, 5.13.10, 5.13.11.1, 5.13.15) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 - Section 14 (5.14.0, 5.14.5, 5,14.6) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 6 - Section 2 (6.2.0, 6.2.2) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 6 - Section 3 (6.3.0, 6.3.1, 6.3.3, 6.3.14) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 7 - Section 1 (7.1.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 7 - Section 4 (7.4.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 - Section 5 (8.5.3, 8.5.6) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 - Section 6 (9.6.3) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 11 - Section 1 (11.1.2) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 11 - Section 4 (11.4.0) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 11 - Section 6 (11.6.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 12 - Section 2 (12.2.1, 12.2.4) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 12 - Section 4 (12.4.2) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 13 - Section 1 (13.1.2) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 13 - Section 3 (13.3.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 - Section 6 (14.6.2) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 15 - Section 2 (15.2.0) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 15 - Section 5 (15.5.0) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 15 - Section 7 (15.7.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 15 - Section 9 (15.9.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 17 - Section 5 (17.5.5) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 19 - Section 2 (19.2.4) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 22 - Section 2 (22.2.2) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 22 - Section 4 (22.4.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 23 - Section 2 (23.2.2) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 23 - Section 4 (23.4.1) Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 - Section 4 (24.4.2, 24.4.3)

**August 2021**
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been revised to ensure current entitlement principles, based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and scenarios have been added regarding the maternity start week when sickness benefits are claimed during the maternity window, prior to ADC. References are now accessed from links within the text, rather than being shown at the end of each section. These changes should result in a better understanding of the subject and facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 12 –Maternity benefits	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 12 – Maternity benefits - 12.1 - Authority Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 12 – Maternity benefits - 12.2 Who can receive maternity benefits Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 12 – Maternity benefits - 12.3 – Maternity benefits as a part of special benefits Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 12 – Maternity benefits - 12.4 – Maternity benefits with respect to other provisions Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 12 – Maternity benefits - 12.5 – Attending a course of instruction

**July 2021**
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been revised to ensure current entitlement principles, based on more recent jurisprudence. A new section has been added to provide more clarity regarding Early Childhood Educators. References are now accessed from links within the text, rather than being shown at the end of each paragraph. These changes should result in a better understanding of the subject and facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 –Teachers	Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 – Annex 1 Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 – Annex 2 Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 – Teachers – section 14.1 - Introduction Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 – Teachers – section 14.2 – Authority and definitions Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 – Teachers – section 14.3 – Disentitlement and relief conditions Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 – Teachers – section 14.4 – Special benefits Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 – Teachers – section 14.5 – Availability Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 14 – Teachers – section 14.6 – Interruption and allocation of earnings

**June 2021**
Background	Section	Previous policy
The purpose of these changes is as a result of more recent jurisprudence and policy interpretation on a decision rendered by the Federal Court of Appeal (A-1-09 Canada vs Tamber), The Commission has revised its policy with respect to imposition of penalties when EI payments are received by way of direct deposit.	Section 18.3.1.2 Section 18.4.4.5 Section 18.4.4.6 Section 18.5.8	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18- Policy on penalties – section Completed action 18.3.1.2 Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18 - Policy on penalties- Section Exception reporting (no cards) 18.4.4.5 Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18 - Policy on penalties – Section Misleading 18.4.4.6 Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18- Policy on penalties – section Claimant reports and payments 18.5.8

**April 2021**
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been revised to ensure current entitlement principles, based on more recent jurisprudence. References are now accessed from links within the text, rather than being shown at the end of each section. These changes should result in a better understanding of the subject and facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 – Week of unemployment	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 –Week of unemployment – section 4.1 - Authority Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 –Week of unemployment – section 4.2 Proof Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 –Week of unemployment – section 4.3 – Hours controlled by employer Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 –Week of unemployment – section 4.4 – Remuneration without work Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 –Week of unemployment – section 4.5 – Work without remuneration Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 –Week of unemployment – section 4.6 – Independent workers working a full working week Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 4 –Week of unemployment – section 4.7 – Independent workers—particular types
The chapter has been revised to ensure current entitlement principles, based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and modifications have been made in certain sections to address issues raised. Sections have been added to clarify signing bonuses, the post retirement benefit (PRB) and critical illness payments. References are now accessed from links within the text, rather than being shown at the end of each paragraph. These changes should result in a better understanding of the subject and facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 –Earnings	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.1 - Overview Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.2 The determination of earnings under regulation 35 Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.3 – the entire income arising out of employment Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.4 – Moneys specified as earnings under regulation 35 Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.5 – Specifically excluded from earnings under regulation 35 Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.6 – The allocation of earnings under regulation 36 Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.7 – Remuneration under a contract of employment Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.8 - Commissions Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.10 – Vacation pay Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.11 – Compensation for incapacity Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.12 – Moneys paid or payable by reason of a lay-off or separation Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.13 – Moneys arising out of a pension fund Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.14 – Bonuses, gratuities and tips Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.15 – Profit sharing plans Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.16 – Earnings from self-employment

**December 2020**
Background	Section	Previous policy
Tables amended for conversion of lump-sum pension benefit (for allocation of earnings for benefit purposes).	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.13.6.4	Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.13.6.4 – Allocation of a lump-sum pension benefit

June 2020
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 23.2.3 has been updated to include the necessity to provide an authorization to release medical information form when submitted a medical certificate for Compassion Care benefits.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 23 - Section 23.2.3	Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 23 – Section 23.2.3 Proof of seriously ill family member

January 2020
Background	Section	Previous policy
Section 12.3.2 has been revised and updated in order to provide additional clarity on the issue of sickness benefits within the maternity period.	Chapter 12 Section 12.3.2	Archived Section 12.3.2

December 2019
Background	Section	Previous policy
Tables amended for conversion of lump-sum pension benefit (for allocation of earnings for benefit purposes).	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.13.6.4	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.13.6.4 – Allocation of a lump-sum pension benefit

September 2019
Background	Section	Previous policy
Following a decision rendered by the Federal Court of Appeals (FCA A-423-11), amendments to the Digest have been made to clarify the calculation and allocation of self-employment earnings. Additionally, language has been updated for ease of understanding.	Chapter 5.16.5.1 Chapter 5.16.5.2 Chapter 5.16.6 Chapter 5.16.7 Chapter 5.16.8.1	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.16.5.1 – Operating expenses Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.16.5.2 – Capital expenditures Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.16.6 – Allocation of self-employment earnings Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.16.7 – Performance of service(s) Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 5 – Earnings – section 5.16.7.1 – Allocation of earnings arising from the performance of service(s)
The chapter has been revised to ensure current entitlement principles, based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and modifications have been made in certain sections to address issues raised in relation suitable employment. These changes should result in a better understanding of the subject and facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 – Refusal of employment	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 – Refusal of employment – section 9.1- Authority Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 – Refusal of employment – section 9.2 – Refusal defined Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 – Refusal of employment – section 9.3 – Notification of offer or refusal Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 – Refusal of employment – section 9.4 – Suitable employment Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 – Refusal of employment – section 9.5 – Good cause Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 – Refusal of employment – section 9.6 – Other situations Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 – Refusal of employment – section 9.7 - Disqualification
The chapter has been revised to ensure current entitlement principles, based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and modifications have been made in certain sections to address issues raised in relation to job search requirements. References are now accessed from links within the text, rather than being shown at the end of each paragraph. These changes should result in a better understanding of the subject and facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 – Availability	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.1- Authority Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.2 – Proof Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.3 – Credibility Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.4 – Practical application Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.5 – Earnings Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.6 – Type of employment Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.7 – Hours of work Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.8 – Availability for temporary work Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.9 – Daily commuting time Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.10 – Health and physical capabilities Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.11 – Absence from home Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.12 – Course of instruction/employment measures Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.13 – Reasonable and customary efforts to obtain suitable employment Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 10 - Availability – section 10.14 – Personal business

April 2019
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been rewritten in its entirety to ensure current entitlement principles based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and modifications have been made in certain sections to address issues raised by the regions and during the appeal process. The chapter has also been restructured for ease of understanding and to facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.1- Authority Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.2 – Labour Dispute Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.3 – Place of employment Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.4 – Stoppage of work Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.5 – Loss of employment, unable to resume an employment Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.6 – Participation Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.7 – Financing Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.8 – Direct interest Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.9 – Disentitlement for a number of days in a week Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.10 – Suspension of the disentitlement Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.11 – Termination of the stoppage of work Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.12 – Other employment during the stoppage of work Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 8 – Labour Disputes – section 8.13 – Termination of employment during a work stoppage

March 2019
Background	Section	Previous policy
Sections of the Digest have been revised and updated in order to reflect the legislative changes to the number of weeks of parental benefits that may be paid. These changes came into effect March 17, 2019.	Chapter 1 – section 1.1.5 Chapter 13 – section 13.1 Chapter 24 – section 15	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1- Basic Concepts – section 1.1.5 Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 13 – Parental Benefits – section 13.1.0 Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 24 – Benefits for the self-employed – section 24.15

February 2019
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been rewritten in its entirety to ensure current entitlement principles based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and modifications have been made in certain sections to address issues raised by the regions and during the appeal process. The chapter has also been restructured for ease of understanding and to facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.1- Introduction Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.2 – Legislative Intent Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.3 – General Principles Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.4 – Application Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.5 – Determination of the 12-month period Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.6 – Relevant write-off situations Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.7 – More than one reason to write-off Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.8 - Limitations Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.9 – Appraisal of write-off denial
The chapter has been rewritten in its entirety to ensure current entitlement principles based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and modifications have been made in certain sections to address issues raised by the regions and during the appeal process. The chapter has also been restructured for ease of understanding and to facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.1- Introduction Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.2 – Legislative Intent Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.3 – General Principles Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.4 – Application Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.5 – Determination of the 12-month period Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.6 – Relevant write-off situations Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.7 – More than one reason to write-off Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.8 - Limitations Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 20 – Write-off – section 20.9 – Appraisal of write-off denial
The chapter has been rewritten in its entirety to ensure current entitlement principles based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and modifications have been made in certain sections to address issues raised by the regions and during the appeal process. The chapter has also been restructured for ease of understanding and to facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Chapter 2 - Interruption of earnings	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 2- Interruption of Earnings – section 2.1- Authority Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 2 – Interruption of Earnings – section 2.2 – Requirements for an interruption of earnings Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 2 – Interruption of Earnings – section 2.3 – Exceptions to the interruption of earnings requirements requirements Archived – Digest of Entitlement Principles Chapter 2 – Interruption of Earnings – section 2.4 – No work while under contract

January 2019
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been rewritten in its entirety to ensure current entitlement principles based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and modifications have been made in certain sections to address issues raised by the regions and during the appeal process. The chapter has also been restructured for ease of understanding and to facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Chapter 3 - Antedates	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 3 - Antedates– section 3.1- What is an antedate Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 3 – Antedates – section 3.2 – Required conditions for antedate Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 – Antedates – section 3.3 – Reasons for a delay in filing

December 2018
Background	Section	Previous policy
Amendments have been made to include links to Section 6(4) of the Employment Insurance Act regarding the definition of employment which is not suitable. Amendments have also been made to wording which still referred to the categories of claimants, element that was repealed from the EI Regulation in 2016.	Chapter 10.1.2 Chapter 10.4.2 Chapter 10.6.2 Chapter 10.7.3 Chapter 10.9.4 Chapter 10.10.1	10.1.2 Availability defined 10.4.2 Warning to claimant 10.6.2 Expiry of reasonable period 10.7.3 Application 10.9.4 Exceptions 10.10.1 Authority
Tables amended for conversion of lump-sum pension benefit (for allocation of earnings for benefit purposes).	Chapter 5.13.6.4	Archived – "Lump-sum pension benefit paid or payable" tables for the period: December 27, 2015 to December 31, 2016 (week code 2010 to 2062)

October 2018
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been rewritten in its entirety to ensure current entitlement principles based on more recent jurisprudence. Clarification and modifications have been made in certain sections to address issues raised by the regions and during the appeal process. The chapter has also been restructured for ease of understanding and to facilitate the adjudication of EI claims, in general.	Introduction to the Digest Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 - Basic concepts	Archived - Introduction Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1- Basic Concepts – section 1.1- Authority Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 – Basic Concepts – section 1.2 – Establishing a benefit period Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1 – Basic Concepts – section 1.3 – Extension of qualifying period Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1- Basic Concepts – section 1.4 – Benefit Period Structure Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1- Basic Concepts – section 1.5 – Extension of the Benefit Period Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1- Basic Concepts – section 1.6 - Disqualification Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1- Basic Concepts – section 1.7 – Disentitlement Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1- Basic Concepts – section 1.8 – Waiting Period Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 1- Basic Concepts – section 1.9 – Payment of Benefits

May 2018
Background	Section	Previous policy
The section has been revised and updated. As a result of Federal Court decisions, the Commission has revised its policy with respect to the allocation of wages paid in lieu of notice, following a temporary layoff that became permanent.	Section 5.12.5	Archived - Chapter 5 - Section 5.12.5

March 2018
Background	Section	Previous policy
The purpose of these changes is as a result of a decision rendered by the Federal Court of Appeal (A-1-09 Canada vs Tamber), The Commission has revised its policy with respect to imposition of penalties when EI payments are received by way of direct deposit.	Section 18.3.1.2 Section 18.4.4.5 Section 18.4.4.6 Section 18.5.8	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18- Policy on penalties – section Completed action 18.3.1.2 Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18 - Policy on penalties- Section Exception reporting (no cards) 18.4.4.5 Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18 - Policy on penalties – Section Misleading 18.4.4.6 Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18- Policy on penalties – section Claimant reports and payments 18.5.8

December 2016
Background	Section	Previous policy
Amendments have been made to the French text of sections 18.3.1.3 and 18.3.1.4 to show that misrepresentation can take many forms, such as false statements and misleading statements.	Chapter 18 – Policy on penalties Section 18.3.1.3 Section 18.3.1.4	Archived – Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18 - Policy on penalties- Section False 18.3.1.3 Archived - Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 18 - Policy on penalties – Section Misleading 18.3.1.4
Sections of the Digest have been revised and updated in order to reflect the reduction of the waiting period from 2 weeks to one week effective January 1, 2017.	Chapter 1 - Section 1.5.3 Chapter 1 – Section 1.7.2 Chapter 1 – Section 1.8 Chapter 5 – Section 5.7.2.2 Chapter 11 – Section 11.5.3 Chapter 12 – Section 12.2.6 Chapter 18 – Section 18.4.4.6 Chapter 18 – Section 18.5.8 Chapter 19 – Section 19.2.12 Chapter 22 – Section 22.2.13 Chapter 23 – Section 23.2.12 Chapter 24 – Section 24.16.6 Chapter 24- Section 24.17.6 Chapter 24 – Section 24.20.2.1	Archived - Chapter 1 - Section 1.5.3 Archived - Chapter 1 – Section 1.7.2 Archived - Chapter 1 – Section 1.8 Archived - Chapter 5 – Section 5.7.2.2 Archived - Chapter 11 – Section 11.5.3 Archived - Chapter 12 – Section 12.2.6 Archived - Chapter 18 – Section 18.4.4.6 Archived - Chapter 18 – Section 18.5.8 Archived - Chapter 19 – Section 19.2.12 Archived - Chapter 22 – Section 22.2.13 Archived - Chapter 23 – Section 23.2.12 Archived - Chapter 24 – Section 24.16.6 Archived - Chapter 24- Section 24.17.6 Archived - Chapter 24 – Section 24.20.2.1

October 2016
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been revised and updated. A section has been added in order to provide additional clarity on the issue.	Section 5.11.5	Archived - Chapter 5 - Earnings - Section 5.11.5
The Sections 2.3.2, 4.3.5 & 5.7.2.5 have been revised and updated in order to provide additional clarity on the issue of Lay Days or periods of leave.	Chapter 2 - Section 2.3.2 Chapter 4 – Section 4.3.5 Chapter 5 – Section 5.7.2.5	Archived - Chapter 2 – Interruption of earnings - 2.3.2 Lay days or periods of leave Archived - Chapter 4 – Week of unemployment – 4.3.5 Lay days or periods of leave Archived - Chapter 5 – Earnings – 5.7.2.5 Lay day or lieu leave

July 2016
Background	Section	Previous policy
The chapter has been revised and updated. Sections have been added in order to provide additional clarity on some issues	Chapter 7 Section 7.1.0 - Misconduct Chapter 7 Section 7.2.0 - Misconduct Chapter 7 Section 7.3.0 - Misconduct Chapter 7 Section 7.4.0 - Misconduct	Archived Chapter 7 - Misconduct - Section 7.1.0 Archived Chapter 7 - Misconduct - Section 7.2.0 Archived Chapter 7 - Misconduct - Section 7.3.0 Archived Chapter 7 - Misconduct - Section 7.4.0 Archived Chapter 7 - Misconduct - Appendix 1 Archived Chapter 7 A.1 Archived Chapter 7 A.2 Archived Chapter 7 A.3 Archived Chapter 7 A.4 Archived Chapter 7 A.5
Amendments have been made to introduce the new provisions included in Bill C-15, related to the elimination of the new entrant/re-entrant (NERE) provisions in the Employment Insurance (EI) Act, taking effect on July 3, 2016.	Section 15.2.0 Section 15.2.1 Section 15.7.1 Section 15.11.0	Archived Chapter 15- Fishing benefits - Section 15.2.0 Qualification based on earnings Archived Chapter 15- Fishing benefits - Section 15.2.1 Violations and fishing claims Archived Chapter 15- Fishing benefits - Section 15.7.1 Provisions regarding payment of special benefits Archived Chapter 15- Fishing Benefits - Section 15.11.0 Fishing insured earnings ona regular non-fishing claim
Tables amended for conversion of lump-sum pension benefit (for allocation of earnings for benefit purposes).	Chapter 5.13.6.4	Amended – "Lump-sum pension benefit paid or payable" tables for the periods: June 7, 2015 to December 26, 2015 (week code 1981 to 2009) and prior to June 7, 2015 (week code 1981).
Amendments have been made to clarify the updates announced during the 2016 budget. The EI Regulations (EIR 9.001 to 9.004) were amended in regards to claimant responsibilities by defining suitable employment effective July 3, 2016.	Chapter 9 - Section 9.1.0 - Authority Chapter 9 - Section 9.2.0 - Refusal defined Chapter 9 - Section 9.3.0 - Notification of offer or refusal Chapter 9 - Section 9.4.0 - Suitable employment Chapter 9 - Section 9.5.0 - Good cause Chapter 9 - Section 9.6.0 - Other situations Chapter 9 - Section 9.7.0 - Disqualification	Archived Chapter 9- Section 9.1 Archived Chapter 9- Section 9.2 Archived Chapter 9- Section 9.3 Archived Chapter 9- Section 9.4 Archived Chapter 9- Section 9.5 Archived Chapter 9- Section 9.6 Archived Chapter 9- Section 9.7
Amendments have been made to clarify the updates announced during the 2016 budget. The EI Regulations (EIR 9.001 to 9.004) were amended in regards to claimant responsibilities by defining and suitable employment effective July 3, 2016	Chapter 10 - Section 10.1.0 - Authority Chapter 10 - Section 10.2.0 - Proof Chapter 10 - Section 10.3.0 - Credibility Chapter 10 - Section 10.4.0 - Practical application Chapter 10 - Section 10.5.0 - Earnings Chapter 10 - Section 10.6.0 - Type of employment Chapter 10 - Section 10.7.0 - Hours of work; family obligations and religious beliefs Chapter 10 - Section 10.8.0 - Availability for temporary work Chapter 10 - Section 10.9.0 - Daily commuting time Chapter 10 - Section 10.10.0 - Health and physical capabilities Chapter 10 - Section 10.11.0 - Absence from home Chapter 10 - Section 10.12.0 - Courses of instruction/employment measures Chapter 10 - Section 10.13.0 - Reasonable and customary efforts to obtain suitable employment Chapter 10 - Section 10.14.0 - Personal business	Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.1.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.2.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.3.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.4.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.5.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.6.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.7.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.8.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.9.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.10.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.11.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.12.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.13.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.14.0 Archived - Chapter 10 - Section 10.15.0

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2026-03-13

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