Temporary Employment Insurance measures to respond to major changes in economic conditions

Temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measures have been introduced to support workers in response to major changes in economic conditions. These measures will improve access to EI benefits.

On this page

• Waiving the waiting period
• Suspending the allocation of separation earnings
• Increasing the number of weeks of regular benefits for long-tenured workers
• Apply online
• Information for employers
• Contact us

Waiving the waiting period

Before you start receiving benefits, there is usually 1 week you won't be paid called the waiting period. It's like the deductible that you pay for other types of insurance.

Under the temporary measure, the waiting period is waived for all new claims for EI benefits that start between March 30, 2025, and October 10, 2026.

Note

You may serve the waiting period if it's to your advantage because of a top-up from a Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plan.

Suspending the allocation of separation earnings

Normally, earnings paid because of a temporary or permanent separation from employment are allocated from the week of the separation. Separation earnings can include:

• vacation pay
• pay in lieu of notice
• severance pay
• closure bonuses
• sick leave credits

Under the temporary measure, if your claim or the allocation starts between March 30, 2025, and October 10, 2026, earnings from separation are not deducted from your benefits.

Increasing the number of weeks of regular benefits for long-tenured workers

Under the temporary measure, you may receive 20 additional weeks of regular benefits, up to a maximum of 65 weeks, if you:

• have a claim that starts between June 15, 2025, and October 10, 2026
• have received at least 1 week of regular benefits
• are considered a long-tenured worker

To be considered a long-tenured worker, you must have:

• received fewer than 36 weeks of regular or fishing benefits in the 3 years before the start of your claim
• paid at least 30% of the annual maximum EI premiums for at least 7 of the 10 years before the year your claim starts

If you qualify for these additional weeks, they will be automatically added to your claim, and the period during which you can receive benefits will also be extended by 20 weeks.

Apply online

Submit an application as soon as you stop working to find out if you can receive EI benefits.

Apply

Information for employers

From March 7, 2025, to March 31, 2027, there are special measures in place for the Work-Sharing Program to provide additional support for affected businesses during a period of economic downturn.

Contact us

For more information about these temporary EI measures, contact us.