Suggest reading: Current E.I. processing time 2017
Source: Canadian Press
OTTAWA — Newly released figures show jobless Canadians are waiting days for answers to their employment insurance questions, and a month or more to find out if they are going to receive benefits.
The figures tabled in Parliament last week show 297,586 employment insurance applicants waited more than 28 days for a decision on their files.
The average wait time was 39 days nationwide and in Alberta, which has been hard hit by the slumping price of oil.
Consequently, processing times and client services topped the categories for complaints lodged with the government.
The figures were tabled in response to a written question from NDP employment critic Niki Ashton.
Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk says the government knows it has work to do on the employment insurance system and will have more to say on its plan soon.
Tips to ensure your claim gets process in an timely manner.
- Ensure there are no mistakes in your ROE and make sure it is submitted within first week after you filed your E.I. application.
- Complete your E.I. report on time.
- If you have delayed your application, make sure to communicate with E.I. office (in writing or phone) within first week.
- After 28 days of promised wait time, initiate a follow-up with E.I. call centre right away. E.I. has a 5 days call back policy. If it gets delayed further, initiate a 2nd and 3rd call back to escalate the urgency to your claim.
