The Government of Canada has announced that it
will temporarily waive the one week waiting period for EI claimants
who establish a new claim between January 31, 2021 and September
25, 2021, including claimants of regular, fishing, and special
benefits. This change is being made to help ease financial stress
during the pandemic.
This change will allow individuals who are applying for EI to
receive benefits during the first week of unemployment. The EI
waiting period is a period of time before the claimant can begin to
receive EI benefits. The waiting period acts like a deductible
similar to other types of insurance. The Government of Canada has
clarified that this change will not increase the total number of
weeks of EI benefits.
