Request for reconsideration of an Employment Insurance decision

If you disagree with an Employment Insurance decision

If you disagree with a decision made by Service Canada about your Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, you can request a reconsideration. For example, you could request a reconsideration if you were denied benefits or told to repay benefits you already received.

Employers and other affected parties can also request a reconsideration, such as when they disagree with a decision that allows an individual to receive EI benefits after they voluntarily left employment or were dismissed for misconduct.

Before you request a reconsideration

Check if you have any new information that could affect the original decision. This could include documents or details about your situation that you haven't provided yet.

Submit any new information to Service Canada as soon as possible. We'll review your claim to determine if this changes the original decision.

If you don't have any new information, or if your new details don't change the original decision, you can submit your request for reconsideration.

How to request a reconsideration

Complete, print and sign the Request for reconsideration of an Employment Insurance (EI) decision form.
Submit it to Service Canada in person or by mail within 30 days after the date the decision was communicated to you.

There is no fee to request a reconsideration.

Requests made after 30 days

If you submit your request after 30 days from the date the decision was communicated to you, you must provide a reason for the delay. We may still accept your request if we determine your explanation is reasonable.

After you submit your request

A different Service Canada officer than the one who made the original decision will:

read the original decision and all related documents
gather and clarify any new information from relevant parties, such as your previous employer
obtain relevant documents
review new information received
assess all evidence related to the issue
make a decision based on legislation and jurisprudence
record their reasons for the reconsideration decision

We will complete the reconsideration as soon as possible, but the time it takes can vary depending on the complexity of the case.

You'll receive the reconsideration decision in writing. If the decision is:

not in your favour
- the officer will call you to explain the decision and your right to appeal
- a copy of the information used to make the decision will be provided separately
in your favour
- your claim will be adjusted
- any benefits owed will be paid

Giving consent to share information

Your personal information and your request for reconsideration are confidential. If you want us to share information about your claim with someone you choose, you must give Service Canada permission.

To provide consent, complete and sign the Consent to disclosure and/or use of personal information form and submit it to Service Canada in person or by mail.

Resources to help you prepare your request

Appealing the reconsideration decision

If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can appeal to the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal (EI BOA) within 30 days of receiving the reconsideration decision.

To submit an appeal, visit Employment Insurance Board of Appeal of Canada for information on the steps you need to take. The EI BOA will notify Service Canada of your appeal.

Important: Effective April 1, 2026, the EI BOA has replaced the Social Security Tribunal (SST) General Division for appeals of EI reconsideration decisions.

Page details

2026-04-01

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