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It was created to provide general EI information only.

You must apply to your Employment Insurance benefits as soon as the day after you have stopped working.

EI allows up to 3 weeks grace period for a late application to be processed based on the day after your last day worked. This will set the starting week of your EI benefits. Therefore,  you will be paid retroactively between the weeks you stopped working.

If you have missed the 3 weeks grace period, your EI will begin as of the week you filed your delayed EI application. You will not be paid those missing weeks.

 

On time EI application explained

calculation-week-drawing-general-rule

(Waiting Period is now 1 week)

 

Delayed EI application explained

calculation-week-drawing-delayed-week-app

(Waiting Period is now 1 week)

 

A delayed application will result into reduced benefit weeks and weekly entitlement amounts. The problem with delayed EI application (beyond 3 weeks grace period) is that all your insurable hours and earnings are all pushed weeks down to the future, where there are zero insurable earnings and hours. It will dramatically bring down the average insurance hours and earnings, which will result into less entitlement weeks and weekly benefit amounts. 

 

How to request your EI benefits to be back dated?

In a situation where you have delayed your EI application with good cause or caused due to a situation that’s out of your control, you may submit the EI Antedate form to explain to the EI processing agent the reason of your delayed application. To do so, you must download the form online (INS 2987) then completed by hand.

Once completed, make sure to mail the form to EI processing office or to submit it at your nearest Service Canada centre. The EI processing agent with then review your application with antedate request and decide if your claim can be processed retroactively. If the decision is to your favor, your claim will be pushed back to its original starting week.

You will then be able to complete multiple past report to bring your report up to date. Once those report were completed, you will get those retroactive payments all at once.

Sometimes you may call EI call centre to have an agent to complete the past reports all together as well.

To read more about Antedate topic…

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!

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