Losing your job is one of life’s most stressful experiences, creating pressure around income, future employment, and supporting yourself or your family. Given the ongoing economic uncertainty, inflation pressures, and a slowing job market in many sectors, understanding available EI benefits is more important than ever.
The federal government has introduced a series of temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measures to address these challenges. Many of these changes remain in effect in 2026 and are designed to make EI more accessible, provide additional financial support, and help workers with transitioning to new employment.
Temporary EI measures continue in 2026
In response to Canada’s ongoing economic challenges, the federal government has enacted several temporary EI measures for eligible claimants. These measures include:
- No waiting period
The waiting period is waived for new EI benefit claims starting between March 30, 2025, and October 10, 2026. This measure provides eligible workers with faster access to financial support during a period of unemployment.
- Separation earnings are no longer deducted
Under the standard EI rules, certain payments arising from the end of employment are considered “earnings,” including severance pay, pay in lieu of notice, vacation pay, closure bonuses, and sick leave credits. These payments were treated as earnings and allocated after the worker’s separation from employment, often delaying the start of EI benefits.
However, under the temporary measures, if a worker’s EI claim or allocation period begins between March 30, 2025, and October 10, 2026, these separation earnings are generally not deducted from EI benefits.
As a result, eligible individuals may be able to receive EI benefits while also receiving severance or other termination benefits. This change means that individuals should not assume they are ineligible for EI simply because they received a termination package.
- Increased number of weeks of regular benefits for long-tenured workers
Some workers may qualify for up to 20 additional weeks of EI regular benefits under a temporary measure that applies to claims starting between June 15, 2025, and October 10, 2026.
To qualify, an individual must be considered a “long-tenured worker.” A long-tenured worker is someone who:
- paid at least 30% of the annual maximum EI premiums in at least seven of the 10 years before their claim began; and
- received fewer than 36 weeks of EI regular or fishing benefits during the three years before their claim.
Eligible workers can receive up to 20 extra weeks of benefits, to a maximum of 65 weeks, with the extension being applied automatically to their claim.
What workers should do
Workers who lose their jobs should apply for EI as soon as possible, even if they expect to receive severance pay or are uncertain about eligibility. Waiting to apply can result in lost benefits.
Workers should also ensure that:
- Their Record of Employment is issued promptly;
- Their insurable hours are correctly reported; and
- They obtain legal advice before signing termination agreements that may affect their rights.
Looking ahead
While these temporary measures provide additional support for eligible workers, they are currently scheduled to remain in effect until October 10, 2026. Workers who experience a job loss before that date should consider how these measures may affect their entitlement to benefits.
If you have questions about how EI may interact with a termination, severance package, or workplace restructuring, contact Rose Gentry or any of the lawyers at Ascent Employment Law. We can help ensure your rights and obligations are properly understood.
