Please be advised that this site is not affiliated with the Service Canada office.
It was created to provide general EI information only.
Can I take a vacation while on EI?
Can I travel within or outside Canada while on EI?
Yes, you can! Unlike many rumours out there that say you are not allowed to go on vacation, you are permitted to do so as long as you declare in your EI report that you are “away” or “not available to look for work”. By declaring your unavailability for the week(s) you were on vacation, EI system will simply not pay your benefit for that week (Sunday to Saturday). For example, if you are going away on vacation on Monday and Tuesday, you will not be paid for those 2 days EI, therefore you are to be paid 3 out of 5 days; it still will count as 1 week of benefit payment. If you were on vacation for the entire week (Monday to Friday), no EI benefit will be paid out, therefore you don’t lose this week’s credit.
Keep in mind, each EI claim has a 1) total entitlement weeks and 2) an expiry date. For example, if you are entitled to receive 37 weeks of EI, that means in 20th week, if you have decided to go on vacation for 2 full weeks, coming back on a Sunday, you are available to be “available for work” on following Monday, you will be collecting your 21st week payment after your 2 weeks vacation.
In other words, your payment timeline just got pushed down 2 weeks. All you need to make sure is to collect your total entitlement weeks before your EI’s expiry date (52 weeks). Any unpaid EI benefit weeks will not be payable beyond the expiry of your claim.
If you are traveling away for more than 4 consecutive weeks, the system will freeze your claim for security reasons. Therefore, when you come back, you will have to re-activate your claim (same procedure as when you filed your first online application). The application system will recognize you have an unexpired claim and will re-activate it. You still have to wait up to 21 business days for it to be back and running. Keep visiting the reporting site to see if you can start reporting. If yes, that is an indication that your claim has been re-activated.
Remember, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shares your travel history with EI processing centre. If you don’t declare your travel abroad, EI integrity office will eventually send you a letter to inform you they have received your travel history and ask you to return the weeks of EI payments you should have not been entitled to.
Continue reading the next page…Â
More reading:Â EI Reporting Step by Step
Recommended read: 4 quick steps to speak to Passport Canada agent
Suggested read: Passport Canada Wait Time
If you want to learn more about the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when payments are issued, visit Tax Service Canada’s Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Guide. This comprehensive resource explains the eligibility requirements, payment amounts for individuals and families, application details for new residents, and important CRA payment dates. With the CGEB replacing the GST/HST Credit in July 2026 and providing increased support to millions of Canadians, staying informed can help ensure you receive every benefit you are entitled to.
If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), now is the time to ensure your benefits continue without interruption. GIS eligibility is reviewed annually, and failing to file your income tax return or complete any required renewal steps could result in your payments being reduced or stopped starting in July 2026. Service Canada uses your most recent income information to determine your eligibility and payment amount for the 2026–2027 benefit year. To avoid delays or disruptions to your monthly GIS payments, review the renewal requirements today. Visit the GIS Renewal page for a complete guide and important updates.
Never miss an Old Age Security payment by bookmarking our dedicated 2026 OAS Payment Schedule page today. Managing your retirement budget is much easier when you know exactly when your funds will arrive in your account. By saving this link, you’ll have instant, one-click access to the most up-to-date distribution dates and any schedule adjustments throughout the year. Stay organized and gain peace of mind by keeping this essential resource right at your fingertips. Bookmark us now and ensure you’re always prepared for your upcoming monthly payments!
* * * * Most viewed topics * * * *
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit 2026 – Eligibility & Payment Schedule
FREE Canadian Dental Care Plan Coverage – Online Application*
Leave a Comment