The Government Just Suspended The Waiting Period For Canadians Claiming EI

To help Canadians who are out of work or working less due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has announced the Employment Insurance (EI) waiting period has been temporarily suspended.

In a statement shared on January 29, Employment and Social Development Canada confirmed that the waiting period would be waived for anyone completing a new claim for EI between January 31, 2021, and September 25, 2021.

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This temporary change will allow people who are applying for benefits to be paid for their first week of unemployment. Government of Canada

By removing the waiting period, eligible Canadians wanting to claim EI will be entitled to an extra week of income support.

According to the government notice, this applies to individuals claiming regular, fishing and special benefits.

It will allow those applying for EI benefits to be paid for their first week of unemployment, without requiring the applicant to take any additional steps.

As of January 31, 2021, all claims will be automatically processed with this new waiver.

The temporary suspension aims to help those experiencing "heightened financial stress at a time of great uncertainty," reads the report.

Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s Minister of Employment, added, “By temporarily waiving the waiting period, we are easing a big financial stress for workers and are providing income support to them faster.”

“This certainty will go a long way for families and for communities who are feeling the effects of this pandemic especially hard,” she added.