Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) system is seeing one of its most worker-friendly overhauls in years, with sweeping changes effective in 2025. Starting April 1, the federal government has rolled out temporary measures to make EI more accessible, timely, and generous for Canadians dealing with layoffs, reduced work hours, or economic instability.
If you’re worried about job loss or navigating a major shift in your employment, these new EI rules could offer some much-needed relief.
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Why the Government Is Changing EI in 2025
Canada’s economy in 2025 is being shaped by global shifts, trade realignments—especially with the U.S.—and region-specific economic disruptions. The federal government introduced these EI updates to ensure workers get timely support during uncertain times.
These reforms are designed to:
- Speed up benefit access
- Boost financial support for laid-off workers
- Adapt eligibility to reflect today’s job market
- Support seasonal and self-employed fishers
Whether you’re a salaried employee, seasonal worker, or in a fishing community, these new changes could significantly ease your financial burdens.
EI Reform #1: Faster Access to Benefits
No More Waiting to Get Paid
Old Rule: A one-week unpaid waiting period applied before you could begin receiving EI.
New Rule: From March 30 to October 11, 2025, that waiting period is eliminated.
That means if you file a new claim during this window, you’ll start getting your payments right away—no more unpaid week at the beginning of your claim. This applies to:
- Regular benefits (job loss)
- Special benefits (maternity, parental, sickness, etc.)
- Fishing benefits (for self-employed fishers)
Need to Know: If your employer tops up EI using a Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plan, you might still want to serve the waiting period to maximize your payout. Talk to your HR or Service Canada for guidance.
EI Reform #2: Keep Separation Pay and Still Get Full EI
No More Clawbacks on Severance, Vacation Pay, or Bonuses
Under the previous system, any income received at the time of job separation (e.g., severance or unused vacation pay) would reduce your EI benefit amount.
What’s Changing:
For claims submitted between March 30 and October 11, 2025, those separation earnings won’t be deducted from your EI benefits.
What Counts as Separation Earnings?
- Severance pay
- Vacation pay
- Pay in lieu of notice
- Closure bonuses
- Unused sick leave
Real-World Example:
Sarah, a retail worker in Ontario, receives $2,000 in severance when laid off in April 2025. Before, this would reduce her EI. Now, she keeps both—her full severance and her full EI benefits.
EI Reform #3: Easier to Qualify for EI Based on Where You Live
Temporary Unemployment Rate Adjustments Will Help More Canadians Qualify
Normally, how many hours you need to qualify for EI depends on your region’s unemployment rate. Areas with high unemployment require fewer work hours to qualify. But this often disadvantages workers in economically stable regions who still lose their jobs.
New Temporary Measure (April 6 to July 12, 2025):
The government is artificially raising unemployment rates in regions where they’re below 13.1% to make qualifying easier.
How It Works:
- If your region’s actual rate is 6.1% or lower, it gets bumped up to 7.1%
- If it’s 6.2% to 12%, it goes up by 1%
- 12.1% to 13% gets adjusted to 13.1%
- 13.1% or higher stays the same
These higher “assigned” unemployment rates lower the number of hours or earnings you need to qualify.
Adjusted Qualification Requirements:
| Adjusted Rate | Regular EI (Hours Needed) | Fishing EI (Earnings Needed) |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1% | 630 hours | $3,800 |
| 7.2%–13% | 455–630 hours | $2,700–$3,800 |
| 13.1%+ | 420 hours | $2,500 |
Example: John, a construction worker in Calgary, lives in a region with a 5.8% unemployment rate. It’s now adjusted to 7.1%, lowering the hours he needs to qualify from 700 to 630.
Who’s Eligible for the New EI Rules?
Regular EI Claimants
- Lost job through no fault of your own
- Meet minimum insurable hours based on adjusted regional unemployment rate
- Available and actively job hunting
Fishing Benefits Claimants
- Self-employed fishers with required earnings in the last 31 weeks
Special Benefits Claimants
- Applying for maternity, parental, sickness, or caregiver benefits
- Will benefit from the waived waiting period
If you’re unsure, use the or contact Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218.
How the New EI Rules Impact Different Workers
Laid-Off Workers
- Get your first payment faster with no waiting period
- Keep severance pay and EI benefits
- Qualify more easily due to adjusted unemployment rates
Seasonal and Fishing Workers
- Fishers benefit from lower earnings thresholds
- Seasonal workers in tourism, agriculture, and construction can qualify more quickly between jobs
New Parents and Caregivers
- No waiting period means faster access to maternity and parental leave benefits
- Compassionate care and caregiver benefits also kick in sooner
Self-Employed and Small Business Owners
- If you opted into EI special benefits (like maternity or sickness), the waiting period waiver applies
How to Apply for EI in 2025
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Check Eligibility
- Use the unemployment rate tool by postal code
- Determine which benefit applies: regular, fishing, or special
2. Gather Documents
- Record of Employment (ROE)
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Direct deposit banking info
- Details about separation earnings
3. Apply Online
- Log into your My Service Canada Account
- Submit your claim ASAP after your last day of work
4. Monitor Your Claim
- Submit biweekly reports
- Check for status updates or additional requests
5. Ask for Help if Needed
- Call Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218 or visit a local office
Tip: Apply even if you’re unsure you qualify. Service Canada will assess your case—you might be eligible for more than you think.
$650 CRA Weekly Employment Insurance Oct 2024
What’s Next for Employment Insurance in Canada?
These measures are temporary, but they could pave the way for long-term reforms. As of now:
- Waiting period and earnings allocation suspension end October 11, 2025
- Unemployment rate adjustments end July 12, 2025
Advocates are pushing for:
- Permanently lower qualification thresholds
- Longer benefit durations for long-term unemployed
- Better coverage for gig workers and the self-employed
If the economic outlook remains shaky, more reforms could be on the horizon.
Final Thoughts: A Safety Net When Canadians Need It Most
Canada’s revamped EI program for 2025 is a lifeline for workers—whether you’re facing a layoff, navigating seasonal employment, or welcoming a new baby.
By understanding how these changes work, you can make sure you’re getting every dollar and every day of support you’re entitled to.
Share this guide with your coworkers, friends, or family. The more people who know, the more Canadians who can benefit during tough times.
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