Latest EI claim processing timeframe *NEW
Follow-up the status of your EI claim (a.k.a Callback)
A callback request is sent by call centre agent when EI claimant tries to follow-up the status of their delayed EI claim. You must allow up to 5 business days after the date your request was initiated, for someone from processing office to contact you back for an update. If it’s your second time following up after the 5 days timeframe, the wait time will shorten to 2 business days and down to 1 business day at the third try.
If you are suffering financial hardship and has your claim processed under Dire Need, your call back timeframe is 1 business day after the date your request was initiated.
NOTE: There is currently a processing backlog due to holiday layoff. We have noticed that call centre agents may not send a call back message to EI processing office for EI claimant and ask caller to wait extra days.
First-time initial application:
You must wait for up to 28 calendar days from the date of application for a decision (assuming your ROE was submitted within the first week of your online application)
Note: Generally, if your claim is not complicated and your ROE was issued electronically, you should see your claim finalized before 28 days. If your claim requires further details from either your former employer(s) or claimant, it will very likely get delayed.
Renewal application:
You must wait for up to 28 calendar days from the date of application for a decision (assuming your additional ROE was submitted within the first week of your online application)
Waiting for a decision to be made:
You must wait for up to 21 calendar days from the date of your request was made for a decision.
General Inquiry
Please allow up to 2 business days + mailing time, to receive your answer.
Member of Parliament enquiries
If your request was sent through ministerial enquiries, you will receive your answer in approximately 1 business day.
Why is my claim delayed?
Please visit our post Common Reason of a processing delay to find out what are the common reason your claim processing time is delayed.
Inaccurate. I’ve been waiting 9 weeks for a decision.
hello Paul,
In your situation, we would strongly recommend you to contact EI call centre to find out the status of your claim.
Eric
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
I have tried calling the call centers, it says they aren’t open then proceed to tell you the business hours which I am calling within and that no information can be given. Unless there is special number.
Hi Shawn,
You may find more details on how to contact EI call centre agent through our post: https://www.unemploymentcanada.ca/how-to-easily-speak-to-e-i-call-centre-agent/
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Yeah I applied october 3rd of last year and only got a decision december 19th
Patience is virtue in this business! Thank you for sharing!
Filed in November; the 28 days came and went. Although, it seems my claim was initially approved, as I recieved an email about 10 days after initial application to complete reports “to continue getting paid”; never received any payment. (Would that indicate that my application was approved by a level 1 agent, only to be reviewed and disqualified?)
Again 28 days came and went. In the “latest claim status” section of MSCA website it states that reason for dismissal has been resolved? Infact, everything has been labeled as resolved, yet the level 1 agents have no idea why my claims being delayed.
Anyways, First escalation deadline came and went. Second escalation deadline came and went 13 days after first escalation (suppose to be 2 business days.)
So far, a level 2 agent hasn’t even reviewed my file, according to level 1 agents. Employer submitted a letter giving the reason for separation, i gave supporting documentation; yet they won’t explain the delay.
Currently in 12th week of waiting. Have explained I’m in dire financial need, and still nothing. Seems likes there’s zero accountability.
I don’t if the following changes anything and is worthwhile submitting supporting documentation:
Within the first week after separation from my employer, I was interviewing, and receiving offers for employment. I’ve accepted an offer that increases my hourly wage by $17/hr from my most recent wage; however, I’m in a seasonal industry and this job doesn’t start until February and at this point I’m not sure if I’ll be able to cover my car insurance, gas, food, etc until then (I live in a rural area and a car is a necessity for employment. 20 minute drive to nearest town of 1000) This career will put me in a 6 figure income bracket and is in the field I trained for.
Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks for your time
C
hello Cameron,
As far as we know, message shows on MSCA does not reflect the accurate status of your claim. You did the right thing by calling EI call centre and keep chasing after the status of your claim. As far as we know, there is a huge processing delay going on and EI call centre agent don’t even bother sending the call back message to help you chase after the status of your claim. They will tell you to keep waiting, so to let processing digest their backlog! If you are running into financial dire need situation and needs immediate attention to your file, I would suggest you to contact your MP’s office to get them involve. It will help speed up your claim.
John
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
3 moths waiting still
In this situation, you must call EI call centre to chase after the status of your claim. If you don’t follow up, their system will not push your file!
Tried that
Maternity E.I, been way past 28 days waiting now. My bills are unpaid, I cant afford to buy groceries, rent is past due. I’ve called service Canada and gotten no where. Had all my ROEs in order the day I applied. This is a disgusting way to treat expectant mothers who have paid into E.I.
Hello Vanessa,
If you are experiencing potential financial dire need situation, we would suggest you contact your MP’s office for immediate help. At this moment, we believe each province’s social services are overwhelmed, so there is no point seeking help there.
Have been waiting 12 weeks and not reviewed. Call centre is wait times over 3 hours.
Hello Manuel,
Best time to reach out to EI call centre is usually on Thursday or Friday morning. Monday and Tuesday are terrible!
Tina W.
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
My account has been under review from October 8th. I have called in countless times only to have my account escelated well over 10 times. Every time I call in I’m given the same speach. I have now lost my home and my truck. While this claim is open I am not able to apply for any additional aid. I’m not sure what to do at this point. If anyone has any advice or direction it would be greatly appreciated.
hello Darryl,
Your case sound pretty extreme. If the MP’s office doesn’t work, we would suggest you to go to the media with your story. Sometimes this may be your only way to get noticed. At this point, we have not heard any good news from anyone who contacted us for suggestion.
John T
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Hi there! I applied for Ei on December 17th, (25 days waiting). I called EI and They reviewed my file and told me that They need information about my training that I already gave them weeks ago. Now, they said that my file is in assesment for calculation because I had some hours as a self-employed, and they don’t have deadline for that.
For how long I have to been waiting? Any idea?
I am so stressful
Thanks
hello Keyla,
The problem with EI processing is that everytime where there are new information add to your EI application, it will require an agent to review and make decision. In your situation, it may be the self-employment information that requires a higher level agent to review that caused the delay; self-employment is consider complex issue. There are other situation where file gets pass on and on to different agent’s workload bin because of absentees or work overload. EI call centre agent sometimes can take care some simple request but they do not have the same ability as the EI processing agent.
What we would suggest you to do is to call back and ask when this current self-employment issue is due, because each file has a 21 business days deadline before it can be escalate it. We have heard from many people getting the same answer from EI call centre that there is no due date, that’s not true. EI call centre adopt this tactic right now because they know even if they try to escalate, the claim will not be finalized on time anyways.
You may either try to get your MP’s office involved or get media attention. You are not alone in this problem!
John
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Thank you for replying. Why self employment is consider a complex issue, I do no why they said that they need to do a calculation, so It’s mean that I will get less money? Where can I find some advices ? I am having a financial issues and as I see O will still waiting.
Filed in mid December, it’s now mid February, 2 phone calls later, almost 2 months later still under “Review”…why is this taking so long? There is no excuse. Twice now they told me it’s in the que and to expect an email in 2 days. 2 weeks later, still nothing. I’m glad I’m back to work because anyone else who has to wait this long for a decision, and 2 more weeks tacked onto that just for a payment, well, my heart goes to them. it’s ridiculous. I just hope this claim moves by the time March break comes. At this rate, probably not. Meanwhile we lose benefits if we don’t submit a report within 3 months. Reading some of the responses some folks have gotten – I don’t think it’s appropriate to tell anyone who’s waiting for their EI benefit to be patient. People are at a loss of income and have bills to pay.
Hi Karen,
Totally understand the frustration. This is the moment to really speak out to the media to put some public pressure to Trudeau government to act! Even the MP’s office staff are getting annoyed now!
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
I have been waiting for a decision since sept.19th!!! I am calling now for the 4th time, no change!
hi there,
take your issue to the media and put pressure on Trudeau government!
John
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
I have applied in November and still have not gotten a decision finalized . I called the calling centre every week once the 28 days period has passed , my situation might have been delayed cause there were multiple ROEs with diffrent reasons but i have called and made sure that everything was documented and sorted out before it even gets to the processing team : everything seemed fine they kept saying your file looks like it will be accepted with no issue but here is my problem :
1 – information i get over the phone is in inconsistent
2- they keep saying wait wait no agent was assigned yet
3 – once an agent was assigned they said you will receive a decision within 48hours it’s been 7 business days now
4 I called to escalate the issue and we are at the five day timeframe still no call . Tomorrow I will be calling for the 2day escalation timeframe
5 I reached out to my local MP today who will likely respond in a few business days
I ran out of options I have not paid my rent this month and bills are piling up . What is dire situation , cause they should have been able to help guide me though it knowing I called so many times desperately asking for help
Hello Marwah,
I totally understand your frustration. EI call centre agents are not file processing agents therefore they have very limited power to help finalized an EI claim. Sometimes, some agents just want to blush callers away by making false promises so they don’t get into arguments in the call because they know there is nothing they can do. I think you did the right thing to contact your local MP’s office, it’s time to put political pressure to the EI system. You should also contact your local media about your situation as you are not alone!
Aaron C
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
I have made 4 phone calls and have been waiting for a decision since beginning of November. They called me 3 weeks ago on sunday to let me know an agent has file and I should hear by friday (that was two weeks ago today). Still no call. I guess I am calling again on monday to follow up and have my call go into the abyss!!! Totally unacceptable. Next call will also be to MP to see what they plan to do to fix the situation
Hi there,
Yea, sometimes having your file in an EI agent’s file bin is good news, but that only means that person is assigned to your file and you still don’t know when that person will finalize your file! Your best bet is to keep calling and push them to get your file finalized. Yes, please bring this issue to your MP’s office, the long delay is getting ridiculous!
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
After working as a golf grounds keeper and was promised fulltime work grooming snow trails in the winter I stuck it out for almost 2 months until deciding to make a claim, only getting a few half days here and there. I applied early December.. when in reality I should have been layed off in October as my hours dwindled. After a month I got a decision statinf my ROE was never submitted by employer. Now almost 3 months later I am still under review, broke living in the country and taking as much work as I am offered through the company restaraunt under a new role. Thanks for nothing, it was a great wi ter as a person who wants to work full-ti.e but cant even pay his rent or car payments.
If your claim has been delayed for too long. If it best to contact your MP’s office for help! Make sure to bring your case to the media too. EI processing delay has become a big issue now!
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
I have been waiting over 50 days. I went to service Canada office and also called ei. Both told me it is under review and has not even begun the processing stage. If I got a job tomorrow, I would have to turn it down because I don’t have money for gas.
Hello Jeanette,
Make sure you keep following up with the status of your EI claim. If not, it will never get finalized! So far, we have people sharing with us that their claim from September 2021 was finally processed under dire need 3rd level urgency. There seems to be a hug delay going on. Please make sure to contact your MP’s office for help and bring your issue to the media!
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca
I have been waiting almost 7 weeks for a decision, I am a family man who obey the law, I didn’t pay my rent for the month February. Please HELP
Hello Omar,
If you are in a financial dire need situation, you must call back Service Canada EI office and let the agent know about your financial situation. That’s the only way to get your claim expedited. Since there is a huge delay going on, they may ask you to seek financial assistant through other channels such as your provincial social service and food bank.
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
I applied Jan 10th. As of Feb 28th, application is still under review. I called the EI number and spoke to a lovely claim specialist. My employer put on my ROE dismissal and didn’t elaborate. The specialist recommended uploading my termination letter (which states without cause) as they needed employer proof that there was no misconduct.
I hope this helps someone else.
Hello Stacey,
Please ensure you have sent your information either by dropping off at your local Service Canada office or by uploading it through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). At this point, EI processing will have to wait for your employer to respond, this may take an awful long time. Sometimes, the employer did not use the correct reason for separation code, therefore easiest way to resolve the problem is the speak to your former employer and have them to amend the code on your roe. This will save a lot of time.
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Been waiting for 3 months. Kept calling the call centre every week and they says some other department handles the process. Horrible. No response
Hi Seba,
We have many readers sharing the same experience, some even had to wait up to 6 month to finally see their claim finalized. You may want to contact your local MP’s office for assistance.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
I filed OCT 8th 2021………….. got a decision Jan 10th 2022- (11 weeks of waiting). Horrible horrible process. The EI team needs to revamp their process this structure is NOT working AT all. Please do better!!! I though this was only happening to me so sad to see it was not.
Hi,
We have many readers sharing the same experience, some even had to wait up to 6 months to finally see their claim finalized. You may want to contact your local MP’s office to share your concern.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
Hi so my claim ends today March 22 and before that I re applied on March 14, the last time I loged into my Internet Service account it says that I can file my next report on March 26 thinking maybe my application is processed & still eligible and can continue EI, but when I checked it today it says i do not have an active claim. Can someone help me or explain it clearly?
Hello Alyssa,
We are aware that Service Canada’s internet reporting system will display the msg informing claimants to submit their next report, however, the actually claim has already reached its limit! Therefore, I would suggest you to verify your claim information by logging into your My Service Canada Account to find out if you have received all entitle weeks for your EI benefits. For example, if you are qualified for 40 weeks of regular EI, double check if your last week report on March 22 covers your 39th and 40th EI benefit weeks. If so, you have reached the end of your claim. For more details, I would suggest you to contact EI call centre directly for further clarification.
John T
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Hi so i logged in into my internet reporting again today and it says that I should report on March 25? so I guess my EI is approved and will go on?
hello i wondering when i REAPPLIED for my ei do I still have a week of no payment for my first bi weekly pay?
pls reply
how come i only get pay half of my claim on my last ei claim?
Very disappointed I’ve waited the 21 days for a Decision on my claim and when I called they say oh the processing team is working on it when it should be processed already what are people suppose to do for money when their ei is held of for months
Hello Nathan,
We have many readers sharing the same experience, some even had to wait up to 6 months to finally see their claim finalized. You may want to contact your local MP’s office for assistance if you feel the delay is taking too long.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
6 months is plenty long enough for someone to lose their home, and be out on the street.
I have been waiting for 6 months and no desision has been made yet
Hello Vera,
We have many readers sharing the same experience, some even had to wait up to 6 months to finally see their claim finalized. You may want to contact your local MP’s office for assistance if you feel the delay is taking too long.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
My claim was approved in January. I updated my information such as going to school part time online and I got a part time job of 6hrs a week as well I’m still looking for full time work, yet they pause my claim to be reviewed at the end of January. I sent all requests in and now it’s April 13 and no update except that some was to call me in 5days. It’s been over 6 days. My finances are being crippled and savings depleted. Should I email my MLA for help?
Hello Garry,
Yea, the unfortunate part with EI processing is that once your claim gets thrown into the review process, it is like going into a black hole where you have no clue when it will get looked after! Try to call back EI call centre again and let the call centre agent know of your financial situation, they may be able to place you in “dire need” highest urgency. If not, I would suggest you visit your local MP’s office to address your issue to see if they can help you.
John T.
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
Does ei pay regularly on tuesday even if it is easter monday?
There was some changes to my training dates and I was told that it would take up to 21 days for approval. It’s been well over a month. No payments. Been paying my bills on credit card but no money to pay credit card. Civil service is getting to be non-existent.
Hi Nik,
In this case, you must make sure you call EI call centre to let them know that your request was past 21 days, so the call centre agent can help you follow up with the EI processing office. If you don’t call, your file will stay pending without being touched!
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
I applied for paternity leave last January 16. Its been 20 weeks past without a work from my employer as I am on leave. Its May 30 now, I called 10x and went to CRA office but they all have the same reason. “ITS STILL UNDER REVIEW” They said they also put it on high escalation. Are we just being fooled or what? I stuck out of my bills knowing I will get paid but until now its all nothing. I dont know what to do.
Hello Karl,
In your situation, it might be a good idea that you bring your request to your local MP’s office, they have dedicated contact at EI processing office to look after their constituent requests. There are still a few things you can verify. For example, did you submit your ROE, is there any other situation in your application that needs attention? If the mother taking parental leave too?
John
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Yes my employer sent my ROE. I applied solo. They keep on saying theyre calculating it but until now there’s nothing happening.
Hi Karl,
All we heard so far is still backlog at EI processing. If you are under any financial hardship, I would suggest you to contact the EI call centre back and tell them you need to be placed on dire need situation. If they refuse to do so at call centre level, you can alternatively contact your MP’s constituent office to have them take over your file.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
2 months 2 phone calls still nothing. This isn’t right! Can they go that long with no income?
Hello Mike,
All we heard so far is still backlog at EI processing. If you are under any financial hardship, I would suggest you to contact the EI call centre back and tell them you need to be placed on dire need situation. If they refuse to do so at call centre level, you can alternatively contact your MP’s constituent office to have them take over your file.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca team
I had to quit my job due to health reasons and provided 2 medical documents as they requested. It’s been 4 months and over 20 hrs on the phone and they tell me that I don’t qualify because of unjust cause of quiting. B.S. government. They take from your cheque and when you need it, they make up excuses not to pay.
Hello Regina,
In a situation where your initial claim got denied, you still have the opportunity to have it reassessed through the Request for Reconsideration process. This might take another month or two to deal with. You can find more info in our post: https://www.unemploymentcanada.ca/how-to-appeal-my-ei-decision/
Based on what you share, it looks like it’s the reason for the separation that disqualified your application. Generally speaking, your separation must be a reason not of your own decision or your own fault. Having a doctor’s note does not justify your separation. But if it’s the doctor that asked you to stop working and you have tried all the possibility to discuss with your employer to keep your position but with no success, which result to volunterily quitting your post. Then, your separation is justified.
The process might feel daunting but this is the best way to go.
John T
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
What a joke!!! Government discrimination against people with perminent disabilities not right. Im in the wrong for leaving a job that was making me do things out of my restrictions. I have needs that need to be followed. Like how they call and leave a number you can not call back. So wrong to deny your claim without speaking to you. Nice way to treat people in need. Thanks
My son has waited 9 weeks for ei short term disability
Hello Jim,
Normally, EI sickness benefits should be quite easy to get finalized as long as the reason for seperation on ROE is showing code D (illness) and the application has enough insurable hours to qualify. I would strongly suggest you to give a call to EI call centre to find out the reason of the delay. The most common reason for first time EI application is that they forgot to do their EI bi-weekly report, and the system shut down the claim. You may find more info in our post:https://www.unemploymentcanada.ca/common-reasons-why-you-have-not-received-your-ei-payments-processing-delay/
ï¼elyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca
He has called ans told that he is still being processed
Do service canada officer ask for sin over phone
Hi Eugene,
Depending on the situation, but rule of thumb, if you are expecting EI call centre agent to call you back, they will usually be able to validate the identity by confirming detail from your EI claim.
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
iv applied on sickness ei on august 6th, still my files underreview called mulitple time, there telling me its in processing team and they need to know if quit was justified. it say quit with medical reason on my roe with my hr numbers. i was pulled off work because of my bad leg injury and have upcoming surgery. company paid me 2 weeks in lieu because of my condition so that there not liable. its been 33 days i got rent due before i get evicted, medical bils and phsyotherapy bills all coming up cant survive for one more week.
any suggestions or help?
Hi Keer,
I think the main reason why your file gets stuck at the processing level is due to the quit reason in your ROE. Everytime, regardless the reason of quitting, it will force the claim to be evaluated by an EI processing agent, hence the delay. A potential quick fix is to contact your employer and see if they can amend your reason for separation from quick (code E) to sickness (code D), this way, it will tell the processing office that you are definitively going on sickness EI and allow your claim to be processed sooner.
John T.
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
my end of date claim is coming ive been waiting for 6 months. Im just wondering how they process this claim.
Hello John,
You must contact EI call centre directly to find out the status of your EI claim.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
I have been waiting wince May 13th. 4 months. Everytime I call, they says it missed last decision meeting and will be next meeting and have been going on for last 3 months.
Hi,
It looks like your claim has already been escalated to the highest priority level. If you still are not getting any answer, you may want to try the MP’s office for help, they have a special channel to contact EI processing office.
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
I’ve been waiting 6 weeks for a decision on my claim. I’ve called every other day for 5 weeks with a different answer every time I call. First told a decision would be made sept 1, then sept 5, then sept 13, and now maybe sept 20. Why can’t I just get a solid answer ? Asked for it to be escalated 3 times. And still no decision
Hello Tina,
As far as we have learned, the EI processing office is still in a constant processing delayed situation. Depending on each case, if your claim requires an agent to review it, there is a delay for sure. The only way to follow up is still through EI call centre. Service Canada centre agents are not processing agents, more like a general program information agent with basic function, so there is no point to visit the centre. Next time when you call back, you may want to ask what is the reason for delay?
If things are taking really too long, contact your MP’s office for assistance!
Melyssa
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Ok thank you
hi! I applied for maternity leave one month ago and am still under review, I have all the requirements but I was dismissed from the company before applying without any no misconduct cause. I can still have the benefit?
Hi Angy,
When comes to dismissal from the employer, the EI processing office agent must determine if your dismissal was cause by employee or not. If so, the hours accumulated from this job will not be counted towards the EI entitlement calculation. It is at your best interest to contact EI call centre directly to find out the status of your claim.
John T.
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Claim went in September 22nd… AND I spoke with someone at Service Canada within the first week and the guy said it shouldn’t take long to get reviewed… jump 6 weeks later, still nothing.
hello Heather,
If you are experiencing any delay in your claim, first make sure you have done your bi-weekly report continuously. You may find out the status of your EI claim through the online account as well. If the claim processing time has gone over the 28 days, make sure to call EI call centre to follow up and escalate the urgency of your claim status.
Aaron
UnemploymentCanada.ca Team
Did yours ever get cleared up yet?
Claim filed October 31, 28 days is today…still nothing according to my MSCA. Still under review. Was dismissed, however without cause(as per my separation letter)…Should I begin harassing Service Canada this afternoon?