The Employment Insurance waiting period is a period of time that must be served before a claimant can begin to receive EI benefits.  It has been set at two weeks since 1971. Shortening the waiting period is expected to ease the financial strain for EI claimants at the front-end of a claim. The reduction of the waiting period applies to regular, fishing and special benefits. It is worth noting that the number of weeks of EI benefit entitlement will not change.

Waiting period waived

The waiting period has been waived for all EI application (regular or special benefits) established since January 31st, 2021 and in effect until September 25, 2021.