Last Updated On 18 April 2025, 9:19 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) program has undergone new, significant changes intended to ease support for workers in 2025.
With temporary measures effective from April 1, 2025, the Government of Canada has introduced reforms to make EI benefits more accessible, offering critical relief to Canadians navigating job loss or economic shifts.
From waiving waiting periods to adjusting unemployment rates, these updates are impacting millions of workers across the country.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new EI rules, how they work, and what they mean for you.
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Canada’s economy is facing unique challenges in 2025, driven by global economic shifts and evolving trade relationships, particularly with the United States.
The government has introduced these temporary EI measures to act as a safety net for workers affected by layoffs, reduced hours, or industry disruptions.
According to recent data, Canada’s unemployment rate has fluctuated in key regions, prompting policymakers to enhance EI access to stabilize household incomes.
These reforms aim to:
- Improve access to EI benefits for both regular and fishing claimants.
- Reduce financial strain during job transitions.
- Support regional economies hit hardest by economic changes.
Whether you’re a full-time employee, a seasonal worker, or a self-employed fisher, these changes could make a significant difference in your financial security.
Let’s break down the key updates.
One of the most significant changes is the temporary waiver of the EI waiting period for new claims.
Normally, when you apply for EI benefits, there’s a one-week period during which you’re not paid—similar to a deductible in other insurance programs.
This waiting period can create financial stress for workers who rely on immediate income after job loss.
What’s Changing?
- For all new EI claims starting between March 30, 2025, and October 11, 2025, the waiting period is eliminated.
- This means you’ll receive your EI benefits sooner, helping you cover essentials like rent, groceries, or bills without delay.
Who Benefits?
This change applies to all EI claimants, including:
- Regular EI claimants (e.g., workers who’ve lost their jobs through no fault of their own).
- Special benefits claimants (e.g., those applying for maternity, parental, or sickness benefits).
- Fishing benefits claimants (self-employed fishers).
Is There a Catch?
In rare cases, you might choose to serve the waiting period if you’re receiving a Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plan top-up from your employer.
An SUB plan supplements EI payments, and serving the waiting period could maximize your overall benefits.
Speak with your employer or Service Canada to determine what’s best for your situation.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether this waiver applies to you, check your eligibility on the Government of Canada’s EI website or contact Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218.
Another game-changer is the suspension of separation earnings allocation for EI claims starting between March 30, 2025, and October 11, 2025.
This measure ensures that money you receive when leaving a job doesn’t reduce your EI benefits.
What Are Separation Earnings?
Separation earnings are payments you might receive when you leave a job, either temporarily or permanently. These can include:
- Vacation pay
- Pay in lieu of notice
- Severance pay
- Closure bonuses
- Sick leave credits
Under normal EI rules, these earnings are allocated to the weeks following your separation, reducing the amount of EI benefits you receive during that time. This can delay or lower your payments, creating financial uncertainty.
What’s Changing?
- For claims starting between March 30, 2025, and October 11, 2025, separation earnings won’t be deducted from your EI benefits.
- This means you’ll receive your full EI payments alongside any separation earnings, giving you more financial flexibility during your transition.
Why It Matters
For many Canadians, separation payments are a lifeline after job loss.
By suspending allocation, the government is ensuring that these funds don’t interfere with your ability to collect EI benefits.
This could mean thousands of dollars in additional support for workers, especially in industries like manufacturing, retail, or hospitality, where layoffs are common.
Example: Sarah, a retail worker in Ontario, is laid off in April 2025 and receives $2,000 in severance pay.
Under the old rules, this severance would reduce her EI benefits for several weeks.
With the new rules, Sarah keeps her full EI payments and the severance, helping her stay afloat while she searches for a new job.
The third major change involves adjusting unemployment rates in certain regions to make it easier to qualify for EI benefits.
This temporary measure applies to claims starting between April 6, 2025, and July 12, 2025, and it’s designed to support workers in regions with lower unemployment rates.
How EI Eligibility Works
To qualify for EI regular benefits, you need a certain number of insurable hours worked in the last 52 weeks (or since your last EI claim).
For fishing benefits, you need a minimum amount of insurable earnings.
The exact requirements depend on the unemployment rate in your EI economic region, which is determined by your postal code.
Regions with higher unemployment rates have lower qualification thresholds, while regions with lower unemployment rates require more hours or earnings.
This system can disadvantage workers in economically stable areas, even if they face job loss.
What’s Changing?
To level the playing field, the government is temporarily adjusting unemployment rates for regions with rates below 13.1%.
Here’s how it works:
- 6.1% or less: The rate is set to 7.1%.
- 6.2% to 12%: The rate is increased by 1%.
- 12.1% to 13%: The rate is set to 13.1%.
- 13.1% or higher: No change.
You can find your region’s unemployment rate by using the EI Economic Region by Postal Code tool.
New Qualification Requirements
These adjusted rates lower the bar for qualifying for EI benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum requirements under the temporary measure:
| Adjusted Unemployment Rate | Regular Benefits (Hours Needed) | Fishing Benefits (Earnings Needed) |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1% | 630 hours | $3,800 |
| 7.2% to 13% | 455 to 630 hours | $2,700 to $3,800 |
| 13.1% or higher | 420 hours | $2,500 |
Note: If you have violations on your EI file (e.g., for misrepresentation), you may need more hours or earnings to qualify.
Contact Service Canada to review your file if you’re unsure.
This adjustment is a lifeline for workers in regions with historically low unemployment rates, such as parts of Alberta or Ontario, where qualifying for EI can be tougher.
By artificially raising the unemployment rate, the government is reducing the hours or earnings needed, making EI more accessible to thousands of Canadians.
Example: John, a construction worker in Calgary, lives in a region with a 5.8% unemployment rate.
Normally, he’d need 700 hours to qualify for EI regular benefits. Under the temporary measure, his region’s rate is adjusted to 7.1%, lowering his requirement to 630 hours.
This makes it easier for John to access benefits after a seasonal layoff.
The temporary EI measures apply to a wide range of workers, but eligibility depends on your situation. Here’s a quick guide:
Regular EI Benefits
- You’ve lost your job through no fault of your own (e.g., layoffs, seasonal work ending).
- You’ve worked the required number of insurable hours in the last 52 weeks, based on your region’s adjusted unemployment rate.
- You’re available and actively looking for work.
Fishing Benefits
- You’re a self-employed fisher who meets the earnings threshold for your region.
- You’ve earned the required insurable earnings from fishing in the last 31 weeks.
Special Benefits
- You’re applying for maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, or family caregiver benefits.
- The waiting period waiver applies, but other qualification rules remain unchanged.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, use the EI Eligibility Tool or call Service Canada for personalized advice.
The new EI rules are designed to provide immediate relief and long-term stability for Canadian workers. Here’s how they could affect different groups:
Laid-Off Workers
- Faster benefits: With the waiting period waived, you’ll get your first EI payment sooner—potentially within 28 days of applying.
- More money: Suspending separation earnings allocation means you keep severance or vacation pay without losing EI benefits.
- Easier access: Adjusted unemployment rates lower the hours needed to qualify, especially in stable regions.
Seasonal Workers
- Fishing communities: Fishers benefit from lower earnings thresholds, making it easier to qualify during off-seasons.
- Construction and tourism: Workers in seasonal industries can access benefits more quickly, bridging income gaps.
New Parents and Caregivers
- Maternity and parental benefits: The waiting period waiver applies, so you’ll receive payments right away.
- Compassionate care: Caregivers can focus on loved ones without worrying about delayed benefits.
Small Business Owners
- While these changes primarily target employees and fishers, small business owners who pay into EI voluntarily may also benefit from special benefits (e.g., maternity or sickness).
Applying for EI is straightforward, but preparation is key to avoid delays. Follow these steps to get started:
- Check Your Eligibility:
- Confirm you meet the requirements for regular, fishing, or special benefits.
- Use the EI Economic Region tool to find your region’s adjusted unemployment rate.
- Gather Documents:
- Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer (submitted electronically or as a paper copy).
- Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Banking information for direct deposit.
- Details of separation earnings (if applicable).
- Apply Online:
- Visit the Service Canada website and log in to your My Service Canada Account.
- Complete the EI application, selecting the appropriate benefit type.
- Submit your application as soon as possible after your last day of work.
- Monitor Your Claim:
- Check your account for updates or requests for additional information.
- Submit biweekly reports to confirm your eligibility (e.g., hours worked, job search activities).
- Contact Service Canada:
- If you have questions, call 1-800-206-7218 or visit a Service Canada office.
Tip: Apply for EI even if you’re unsure about eligibility. Service Canada will assess your claim, and you may qualify for more benefits than you expect.
The temporary measures are set to expire by October 11, 2025, for most changes, with the unemployment rate adjustment ending on July 12, 2025.
However, advocates are calling for permanent reforms to address gaps in the EI system, such as:
- Lowering qualification thresholds for all regions.
- Extending benefit durations for long-term unemployed workers.
- Expanding coverage for gig workers and self-employed Canadians.
As Canada navigates economic uncertainties, the government may introduce additional supports or extend these measures beyond 2025.
The new EI rules are a lifeline for workers across Canada, and spreading the word can help ensure everyone benefits.
Share this article on social media, email it to friends and family, or discuss it with coworkers.
Together, we can help Canadians navigate these changes and secure the support they deserve.
For the latest updates, visit Canada.ca or follow Service Canada on X.
When do the new EI rules start?
The waiting period waiver and separation earnings suspension apply to claims effective March 30, 2025.
The unemployment rate adjustment applies to claims effective April 6, 2025.
How do I know my region’s unemployment rate?
Use the EI Economic Region by Postal Code tool to find your region’s rate and adjusted rate under the temporary measure.
Can I still serve the waiting period?
Yes, if you’re receiving a Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plan top-up, you may choose to serve the waiting period to maximize your benefits. Contact Service Canada for guidance.
Do these changes affect EI special benefits?
The waiting period waiver applies to special benefits (e.g., maternity, parental, sickness), but other rules remain unchanged.
What if I have an EI violation?
Violations (e.g., for misrepresentation) may require you to meet higher hours or earnings thresholds. Check your EI file with Service Canada to confirm.
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