Please be advised that this site is not affiliated with the Service Canada office.
It was created to provide general EI information only.
How long will my EI claim be under review?
(latest 2024 update)
Follow-up the status of your EI claim (a.k.a Callback)
A callback request is sent by a call centre agent when EI claimant tries to follow up on the status of their delayed EI claim. You must allow up to 5 business days after the date your request was initiated, for someone from the processing office to contact you back for an update. If it’s your second time following up after the 5 days timeframe, the wait time will shorten to 2 business days and down to 1 business day on the third try.
If you are suffering financial hardship and have your claim processed under Dire Need, your call back timeframe is 1 business day after the date your request was initiated.
NOTE: There is currently a processing backlog due to holiday layoff. We have noticed that call centre agents may not send a call back message to EI processing office for EI claimant and ask caller to wait extra days.
First-time initial application:
You must wait for up to 28 calendar days from the date of application for a decision (assuming your ROE was submitted within the first week of your online application)
Note: Generally, if your claim is not complicated and your ROE was issued electronically, you should see your claim finalized before 28 days. If your claim requires further details from either your former employer(s) or claimant, it will very likely get delayed.
Renewal application:
You must wait for up to 28 calendar days from the date of application for a decision (assuming your additional ROE was submitted within the first week of your online application)
Waiting for a decision to be made:
You must wait for up to 21 calendar days from the date of your request was made for a decision.
General Inquiry
Please allow up to 2 business days + mailing time, to receive your answer.
Member of Parliament enquiries
If your request was sent through ministerial enquiries, you will receive your answer in approximately 1 business day.
Why is my claim delayed?
Please visit our post, Common Reason of a processing delay to find out what are the common reasons your claim processing time is delayed.
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Paul
January 11, 2022 8:26 pmInaccurate. I’ve been waiting 9 weeks for a decision.
E.I. consultant
January 11, 2022 10:12 pmhello Paul,
In your situation, we would strongly recommend you to contact EI call centre to find out the status of your claim.
Eric
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
Shawn Norman
February 24, 2022 9:18 amI have tried calling the call centers, it says they aren’t open then proceed to tell you the business hours which I am calling within and that no information can be given. Unless there is special number.
E.I. consultant
February 24, 2022 12:39 pmHi Shawn,
You may find more details on how to contact EI call centre agent through our post: https://unemploymentcanada.ca.newgatewayca.a2hosted.com/how-to-easily-speak-to-e-i-call-centre-agent/
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
gab
January 12, 2022 10:21 pmYeah I applied october 3rd of last year and only got a decision december 19th
E.I. consultant
January 12, 2022 10:25 pmPatience is virtue in this business! Thank you for sharing!
Cameron Bell
January 12, 2022 2:30 pmFiled in November; the 28 days came and went. Although, it seems my claim was initially approved, as I recieved an email about 10 days after initial application to complete reports “to continue getting paid”; never received any payment. (Would that indicate that my application was approved by a level 1 agent, only to be reviewed and disqualified?)
Again 28 days came and went. In the “latest claim status” section of MSCA website it states that reason for dismissal has been resolved? Infact, everything has been labeled as resolved, yet the level 1 agents have no idea why my claims being delayed.
Anyways, First escalation deadline came and went. Second escalation deadline came and went 13 days after first escalation (suppose to be 2 business days.)
So far, a level 2 agent hasn’t even reviewed my file, according to level 1 agents. Employer submitted a letter giving the reason for separation, i gave supporting documentation; yet they won’t explain the delay.
Currently in 12th week of waiting. Have explained I’m in dire financial need, and still nothing. Seems likes there’s zero accountability.
I don’t if the following changes anything and is worthwhile submitting supporting documentation:
Within the first week after separation from my employer, I was interviewing, and receiving offers for employment. I’ve accepted an offer that increases my hourly wage by $17/hr from my most recent wage; however, I’m in a seasonal industry and this job doesn’t start until February and at this point I’m not sure if I’ll be able to cover my car insurance, gas, food, etc until then (I live in a rural area and a car is a necessity for employment. 20 minute drive to nearest town of 1000) This career will put me in a 6 figure income bracket and is in the field I trained for.
Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks for your time
C
E.I. consultant
January 13, 2022 10:59 amhello Cameron,
As far as we know, message shows on MSCA does not reflect the accurate status of your claim. You did the right thing by calling EI call centre and keep chasing after the status of your claim. As far as we know, there is a huge processing delay going on and EI call centre agent don’t even bother sending the call back message to help you chase after the status of your claim. They will tell you to keep waiting, so to let processing digest their backlog! If you are running into financial dire need situation and needs immediate attention to your file, I would suggest you to contact your MP’s office to get them involve. It will help speed up your claim.
John
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Joe
January 15, 2022 9:41 am3 moths waiting still
E.I. consultant
January 15, 2022 10:29 amIn this situation, you must call EI call centre to chase after the status of your claim. If you don’t follow up, their system will not push your file!
Joe
January 15, 2022 12:32 pmTried that
Vanessa
January 18, 2022 9:40 amMaternity E.I, been way past 28 days waiting now. My bills are unpaid, I cant afford to buy groceries, rent is past due. I’ve called service Canada and gotten no where. Had all my ROEs in order the day I applied. This is a disgusting way to treat expectant mothers who have paid into E.I.
E.I. consultant
January 18, 2022 9:48 amHello Vanessa,
If you are experiencing potential financial dire need situation, we would suggest you contact your MP’s office for immediate help. At this moment, we believe each province’s social services are overwhelmed, so there is no point seeking help there.
Manuel
January 21, 2022 2:18 pmHave been waiting 12 weeks and not reviewed. Call centre is wait times over 3 hours.
E.I. consultant
January 23, 2022 10:06 pmHello Manuel,
Best time to reach out to EI call centre is usually on Thursday or Friday morning. Monday and Tuesday are terrible!
Tina W.
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Darryl
January 25, 2022 11:58 amMy account has been under review from October 8th. I have called in countless times only to have my account escelated well over 10 times. Every time I call in I’m given the same speach. I have now lost my home and my truck. While this claim is open I am not able to apply for any additional aid. I’m not sure what to do at this point. If anyone has any advice or direction it would be greatly appreciated.
E.I. consultant
January 25, 2022 5:03 pmhello Darryl,
Your case sound pretty extreme. If the MP’s office doesn’t work, we would suggest you to go to the media with your story. Sometimes this may be your only way to get noticed. At this point, we have not heard any good news from anyone who contacted us for suggestion.
John T
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Keyla
January 26, 2022 6:30 pmHi there! I applied for Ei on December 17th, (25 days waiting). I called EI and They reviewed my file and told me that They need information about my training that I already gave them weeks ago. Now, they said that my file is in assesment for calculation because I had some hours as a self-employed, and they don’t have deadline for that.
For how long I have to been waiting? Any idea?
I am so stressful
Thanks
E.I. consultant
January 27, 2022 9:57 pmhello Keyla,
The problem with EI processing is that everytime where there are new information add to your EI application, it will require an agent to review and make decision. In your situation, it may be the self-employment information that requires a higher level agent to review that caused the delay; self-employment is consider complex issue. There are other situation where file gets pass on and on to different agent’s workload bin because of absentees or work overload. EI call centre agent sometimes can take care some simple request but they do not have the same ability as the EI processing agent.
What we would suggest you to do is to call back and ask when this current self-employment issue is due, because each file has a 21 business days deadline before it can be escalate it. We have heard from many people getting the same answer from EI call centre that there is no due date, that’s not true. EI call centre adopt this tactic right now because they know even if they try to escalate, the claim will not be finalized on time anyways.
You may either try to get your MP’s office involved or get media attention. You are not alone in this problem!
John
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Keyla
January 30, 2022 11:38 amThank you for replying. Why self employment is consider a complex issue, I do no why they said that they need to do a calculation, so It’s mean that I will get less money? Where can I find some advices ? I am having a financial issues and as I see O will still waiting.
Karen
February 10, 2022 12:49 pmFiled in mid December, it’s now mid February, 2 phone calls later, almost 2 months later still under “Review”…why is this taking so long? There is no excuse. Twice now they told me it’s in the que and to expect an email in 2 days. 2 weeks later, still nothing. I’m glad I’m back to work because anyone else who has to wait this long for a decision, and 2 more weeks tacked onto that just for a payment, well, my heart goes to them. it’s ridiculous. I just hope this claim moves by the time March break comes. At this rate, probably not. Meanwhile we lose benefits if we don’t submit a report within 3 months. Reading some of the responses some folks have gotten – I don’t think it’s appropriate to tell anyone who’s waiting for their EI benefit to be patient. People are at a loss of income and have bills to pay.
E.I. consultant
February 10, 2022 2:48 pmHi Karen,
Totally understand the frustration. This is the moment to really speak out to the media to put some public pressure to Trudeau government to act! Even the MP’s office staff are getting annoyed now!
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Ncb
February 11, 2022 10:15 amI have been waiting for a decision since sept.19th!!! I am calling now for the 4th time, no change!
E.I. consultant
February 11, 2022 3:45 pmhi there,
take your issue to the media and put pressure on Trudeau government!
John
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Marwah
February 15, 2022 9:19 pmI have applied in November and still have not gotten a decision finalized . I called the calling centre every week once the 28 days period has passed , my situation might have been delayed cause there were multiple ROEs with diffrent reasons but i have called and made sure that everything was documented and sorted out before it even gets to the processing team : everything seemed fine they kept saying your file looks like it will be accepted with no issue but here is my problem :
1 – information i get over the phone is in inconsistent
2- they keep saying wait wait no agent was assigned yet
3 – once an agent was assigned they said you will receive a decision within 48hours it’s been 7 business days now
4 I called to escalate the issue and we are at the five day timeframe still no call . Tomorrow I will be calling for the 2day escalation timeframe
5 I reached out to my local MP today who will likely respond in a few business days
I ran out of options I have not paid my rent this month and bills are piling up . What is dire situation , cause they should have been able to help guide me though it knowing I called so many times desperately asking for help
E.I. consultant
February 15, 2022 10:01 pmHello Marwah,
I totally understand your frustration. EI call centre agents are not file processing agents therefore they have very limited power to help finalized an EI claim. Sometimes, some agents just want to blush callers away by making false promises so they don’t get into arguments in the call because they know there is nothing they can do. I think you did the right thing to contact your local MP’s office, it’s time to put political pressure to the EI system. You should also contact your local media about your situation as you are not alone!
Aaron C
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
KP
February 18, 2022 10:08 pmI have made 4 phone calls and have been waiting for a decision since beginning of November. They called me 3 weeks ago on sunday to let me know an agent has file and I should hear by friday (that was two weeks ago today). Still no call. I guess I am calling again on monday to follow up and have my call go into the abyss!!! Totally unacceptable. Next call will also be to MP to see what they plan to do to fix the situation
E.I. consultant
February 19, 2022 2:02 pmHi there,
Yea, sometimes having your file in an EI agent’s file bin is good news, but that only means that person is assigned to your file and you still don’t know when that person will finalize your file! Your best bet is to keep calling and push them to get your file finalized. Yes, please bring this issue to your MP’s office, the long delay is getting ridiculous!
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Shawn Norman
February 24, 2022 9:17 amAfter working as a golf grounds keeper and was promised fulltime work grooming snow trails in the winter I stuck it out for almost 2 months until deciding to make a claim, only getting a few half days here and there. I applied early December.. when in reality I should have been layed off in October as my hours dwindled. After a month I got a decision statinf my ROE was never submitted by employer. Now almost 3 months later I am still under review, broke living in the country and taking as much work as I am offered through the company restaraunt under a new role. Thanks for nothing, it was a great wi ter as a person who wants to work full-ti.e but cant even pay his rent or car payments.
E.I. consultant
February 24, 2022 12:40 pmIf your claim has been delayed for too long. If it best to contact your MP’s office for help! Make sure to bring your case to the media too. EI processing delay has become a big issue now!
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Jeanette
February 24, 2022 5:58 pmI have been waiting over 50 days. I went to service Canada office and also called ei. Both told me it is under review and has not even begun the processing stage. If I got a job tomorrow, I would have to turn it down because I don’t have money for gas.
E.I. consultant
February 26, 2022 4:25 pmHello Jeanette,
Make sure you keep following up with the status of your EI claim. If not, it will never get finalized! So far, we have people sharing with us that their claim from September 2021 was finally processed under dire need 3rd level urgency. There seems to be a hug delay going on. Please make sure to contact your MP’s office for help and bring your issue to the media!
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca
Omar Abdi
February 28, 2022 3:42 amI have been waiting almost 7 weeks for a decision, I am a family man who obey the law, I didn’t pay my rent for the month February. Please HELP
E.I. consultant
February 28, 2022 5:07 pmHello Omar,
If you are in a financial dire need situation, you must call back Service Canada EI office and let the agent know about your financial situation. That’s the only way to get your claim expedited. Since there is a huge delay going on, they may ask you to seek financial assistant through other channels such as your provincial social service and food bank.
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Stacey C
February 28, 2022 4:04 pmI applied Jan 10th. As of Feb 28th, application is still under review. I called the EI number and spoke to a lovely claim specialist. My employer put on my ROE dismissal and didn’t elaborate. The specialist recommended uploading my termination letter (which states without cause) as they needed employer proof that there was no misconduct.
I hope this helps someone else.
E.I. consultant
February 28, 2022 5:16 pmHello Stacey,
Please ensure you have sent your information either by dropping off at your local Service Canada office or by uploading it through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). At this point, EI processing will have to wait for your employer to respond, this may take an awful long time. Sometimes, the employer did not use the correct reason for separation code, therefore easiest way to resolve the problem is the speak to your former employer and have them to amend the code on your roe. This will save a lot of time.
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Seba
March 9, 2022 7:49 pmBeen waiting for 3 months. Kept calling the call centre every week and they says some other department handles the process. Horrible. No response
E.I. consultant
March 10, 2022 10:31 amHi Seba,
We have many readers sharing the same experience, some even had to wait up to 6 month to finally see their claim finalized. You may want to contact your local MP’s office for assistance.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
ZPA
March 13, 2022 12:00 amI filed OCT 8th 2021………….. got a decision Jan 10th 2022- (11 weeks of waiting). Horrible horrible process. The EI team needs to revamp their process this structure is NOT working AT all. Please do better!!! I though this was only happening to me so sad to see it was not.
E.I. consultant
March 14, 2022 2:52 pmHi,
We have many readers sharing the same experience, some even had to wait up to 6 months to finally see their claim finalized. You may want to contact your local MP’s office to share your concern.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
alyssa
March 22, 2022 10:27 amHi so my claim ends today March 22 and before that I re applied on March 14, the last time I loged into my Internet Service account it says that I can file my next report on March 26 thinking maybe my application is processed & still eligible and can continue EI, but when I checked it today it says i do not have an active claim. Can someone help me or explain it clearly?
E.I. consultant
March 23, 2022 11:29 amHello Alyssa,
We are aware that Service Canada’s internet reporting system will display the msg informing claimants to submit their next report, however, the actually claim has already reached its limit! Therefore, I would suggest you to verify your claim information by logging into your My Service Canada Account to find out if you have received all entitle weeks for your EI benefits. For example, if you are qualified for 40 weeks of regular EI, double check if your last week report on March 22 covers your 39th and 40th EI benefit weeks. If so, you have reached the end of your claim. For more details, I would suggest you to contact EI call centre directly for further clarification.
John T
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
alyssa
March 23, 2022 11:46 amHi so i logged in into my internet reporting again today and it says that I should report on March 25? so I guess my EI is approved and will go on?
alyssa
March 29, 2022 4:29 amhello i wondering when i REAPPLIED for my ei do I still have a week of no payment for my first bi weekly pay?
alyssa
March 30, 2022 12:13 pmpls reply
alyssa
March 29, 2022 4:49 amhow come i only get pay half of my claim on my last ei claim?
Nathan
April 5, 2022 12:08 pmVery disappointed I’ve waited the 21 days for a Decision on my claim and when I called they say oh the processing team is working on it when it should be processed already what are people suppose to do for money when their ei is held of for months
E.I. consultant
April 5, 2022 12:25 pmHello Nathan,
We have many readers sharing the same experience, some even had to wait up to 6 months to finally see their claim finalized. You may want to contact your local MP’s office for assistance if you feel the delay is taking too long.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
Vera
April 12, 2022 9:28 pmI have been waiting for 6 months and no desision has been made yet
E.I. consultant
April 14, 2022 10:45 pmHello Vera,
We have many readers sharing the same experience, some even had to wait up to 6 months to finally see their claim finalized. You may want to contact your local MP’s office for assistance if you feel the delay is taking too long.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
Garry
April 13, 2022 5:24 pmMy claim was approved in January. I updated my information such as going to school part time online and I got a part time job of 6hrs a week as well I’m still looking for full time work, yet they pause my claim to be reviewed at the end of January. I sent all requests in and now it’s April 13 and no update except that some was to call me in 5days. It’s been over 6 days. My finances are being crippled and savings depleted. Should I email my MLA for help?
E.I. consultant
April 14, 2022 10:51 pmHello Garry,
Yea, the unfortunate part with EI processing is that once your claim gets thrown into the review process, it is like going into a black hole where you have no clue when it will get looked after! Try to call back EI call centre again and let the call centre agent know of your financial situation, they may be able to place you in “dire need” highest urgency. If not, I would suggest you visit your local MP’s office to address your issue to see if they can help you.
John T.
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
alyssa
April 18, 2022 11:15 pmDoes ei pay regularly on tuesday even if it is easter monday?
Nik
May 24, 2022 1:09 pmThere was some changes to my training dates and I was told that it would take up to 21 days for approval. It’s been well over a month. No payments. Been paying my bills on credit card but no money to pay credit card. Civil service is getting to be non-existent.
E.I. consultant
May 25, 2022 5:50 pmHi Nik,
In this case, you must make sure you call EI call centre to let them know that your request was past 21 days, so the call centre agent can help you follow up with the EI processing office. If you don’t call, your file will stay pending without being touched!
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Karl Cortado
May 30, 2022 2:19 amI applied for paternity leave last January 16. Its been 20 weeks past without a work from my employer as I am on leave. Its May 30 now, I called 10x and went to CRA office but they all have the same reason. “ITS STILL UNDER REVIEW” They said they also put it on high escalation. Are we just being fooled or what? I stuck out of my bills knowing I will get paid but until now its all nothing. I dont know what to do.
E.I. consultant
May 30, 2022 10:11 amHello Karl,
In your situation, it might be a good idea that you bring your request to your local MP’s office, they have dedicated contact at EI processing office to look after their constituent requests. There are still a few things you can verify. For example, did you submit your ROE, is there any other situation in your application that needs attention? If the mother taking parental leave too?
John
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Karl
May 31, 2022 8:34 pmYes my employer sent my ROE. I applied solo. They keep on saying theyre calculating it but until now there’s nothing happening.
E.I. consultant
June 2, 2022 11:16 amHi Karl,
All we heard so far is still backlog at EI processing. If you are under any financial hardship, I would suggest you to contact the EI call centre back and tell them you need to be placed on dire need situation. If they refuse to do so at call centre level, you can alternatively contact your MP’s constituent office to have them take over your file.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
mike
June 3, 2022 6:57 am2 months 2 phone calls still nothing. This isn’t right! Can they go that long with no income?
E.I. consultant
June 6, 2022 10:16 amHello Mike,
All we heard so far is still backlog at EI processing. If you are under any financial hardship, I would suggest you to contact the EI call centre back and tell them you need to be placed on dire need situation. If they refuse to do so at call centre level, you can alternatively contact your MP’s constituent office to have them take over your file.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
Regina
June 21, 2022 7:46 pmI had to quit my job due to health reasons and provided 2 medical documents as they requested. It’s been 4 months and over 20 hrs on the phone and they tell me that I don’t qualify because of unjust cause of quiting. B.S. government. They take from your cheque and when you need it, they make up excuses not to pay.
E.I. consultant
June 24, 2022 10:09 amHello Regina,
In a situation where your initial claim got denied, you still have the opportunity to have it reassessed through the Request for Reconsideration process. This might take another month or two to deal with. You can find more info in our post: https://unemploymentcanada.ca.newgatewayca.a2hosted.com/how-to-appeal-my-ei-decision/
Based on what you share, it looks like it’s the reason for the separation that disqualified your application. Generally speaking, your separation must be a reason not of your own decision or your own fault. Having a doctor’s note does not justify your separation. But if it’s the doctor that asked you to stop working and you have tried all the possibility to discuss with your employer to keep your position but with no success, which result to volunterily quitting your post. Then, your separation is justified.
The process might feel daunting but this is the best way to go.
John T
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
mike
July 6, 2022 6:36 amWhat a joke!!! Government discrimination against people with perminent disabilities not right. Im in the wrong for leaving a job that was making me do things out of my restrictions. I have needs that need to be followed. Like how they call and leave a number you can not call back. So wrong to deny your claim without speaking to you. Nice way to treat people in need. Thanks
Jim
August 5, 2022 5:14 pmMy son has waited 9 weeks for ei short term disability
E.I. consultant
August 7, 2022 3:17 pmHello Jim,
Normally, EI sickness benefits should be quite easy to get finalized as long as the reason for seperation on ROE is showing code D (illness) and the application has enough insurable hours to qualify. I would strongly suggest you to give a call to EI call centre to find out the reason of the delay. The most common reason for first time EI application is that they forgot to do their EI bi-weekly report, and the system shut down the claim. You may find more info in our post:https://unemploymentcanada.ca.newgatewayca.a2hosted.com/common-reasons-why-you-have-not-received-your-ei-payments-processing-delay/
ï¼elyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca
Jim
August 10, 2022 6:59 pmHe has called ans told that he is still being processed
Eugene
August 30, 2022 10:57 amDo service canada officer ask for sin over phone
E.I. consultant
September 2, 2022 4:08 pmHi Eugene,
Depending on the situation, but rule of thumb, if you are expecting EI call centre agent to call you back, they will usually be able to validate the identity by confirming detail from your EI claim.
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
keer
September 7, 2022 10:31 pmiv applied on sickness ei on august 6th, still my files underreview called mulitple time, there telling me its in processing team and they need to know if quit was justified. it say quit with medical reason on my roe with my hr numbers. i was pulled off work because of my bad leg injury and have upcoming surgery. company paid me 2 weeks in lieu because of my condition so that there not liable. its been 33 days i got rent due before i get evicted, medical bils and phsyotherapy bills all coming up cant survive for one more week.
any suggestions or help?