What is the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal (EI BOA)?

Effective April 1, 2026, the Government of Canada has launched the Employment Insurance (EI) Board of Appeal. This new independent administrative tribunal marks a major shift in how Canadians resolve EI benefit disputes. The Board replaces the Social Security Tribunal (SST) General Division for all first-level EI appeals, excluding constitutional challenges.

Why the Change? The Tripartite Model

The EI BOA returns to a tripartite decision-making model. This structure ensures that decisions are not made by a single judge, but by a panel representing the key stakeholders of the EI system:

• A presiding member appointed by the Governor in Council.
• One member representing employer communities.
• One member representing worker communities.

This regional, community-based approach ensures that panel members understand the local economic reality of the claimant.

Key Benefits for Canadians

• Timelier Decisions: The goal is to provide faster resolution, often aiming for same-day decisions in standard cases.
• Choice of Format: Claimants have more flexibility in choosing their hearing format.
• Local Representation: Panels are designed to have ties to the same region as the client.

How to File an Appeal

If you disagree with a Service Canada reconsideration decision, you can file a notice of appeal with the EI BOA through the following channels:

• In-person: Visit a local Service Canada office.
• Mail or Courier: Send documents to the official postal address provided on the official EI BOA website.
• Electronically: Use the official electronic filing portal on the board’s website.

Transition Period

The Social Security Tribunal will continue to hear and decide appeals received prior to March 31, 2026. A transition period is in place where both the new Board of Appeal and the SST will run in parallel to ensure smooth processing for all Canadians.

Source: Government of Canada – Backgrounder: Launch of the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal