If you were laid off or your hours ran out, Employment Insurance (EI) is now easier to get and can start sooner. New federal rules came into force on October 11, 2026. They cover every worker in Canada, in any industry.
There is no unpaid waiting week, so your benefits can be paid from your first week without work. Severance and vacation pay are not taken off your benefits. If you quit a job earlier, only the reason your last job ended is looked at.
These EI changes from October 2026 last about a year. Here is who gains most and what to do now.
The short answer
If you lose your job, Employment Insurance (EI) can now pay you from your first week, with no unpaid waiting week. Since October 11, 2026, severance and vacation pay are not taken off your benefits.
Checked October 23, 2026
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Key facts · 5 facts · checked October 23, 2026ShowHide
- No EI waiting week for claims starting by October 9, 2027
- Severance and vacation pay are not deducted
- Only your most recent job loss is reviewed
- Long-time workers may get 20 extra weeks, up to 65 in total
- Apply within 4 weeks of your last day of work
Main source: EI temporary measures for major economic conditions
When do you get your money?
Which rule applies depends on the date your claim starts. The earlier version was set to end on October 10, 2026. The new rules took over the next day, so there was no gap.
| What changed | Claims that start |
|---|---|
| No waiting week | March 30, 2025 to October 9, 2027 |
| Severance and vacation pay not deducted | March 30, 2025 to October 9, 2027 |
| Only your last job is reviewed | October 11, 2026 to October 9, 2027 |
| Up to 20 extra weeks for long-time workers | June 15, 2025 to June 12, 2027 |
Severance and vacation pay. You no longer have to use up severance or vacation pay before EI starts. Example: a warehouse worker laid off with severance can start EI right away, and the severance does not lower it.
Only your last job counts. If your last job ended through no fault of your own, an earlier quit is not held against you. All your insurable hours in the qualifying period count.
Example: you quit a store job, then were laid off from a factory job. Hours from both jobs count.
How much can you get?
For most people, EI pays 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings. In 2026 the most anyone can get is $729 a week. You pay income tax on EI.
Benefits normally last 14 to 45 weeks, depending on unemployment where you live. To qualify, you usually need 420 to 700 hours of insurable work.
Long-time workers. If you worked steadily for years and rarely used EI, you may get 20 extra weeks. That can bring your total up to 65 weeks. The extra weeks are added for you, with no separate form.
To get the extra weeks, you must have had fewer than 36 weeks of regular or fishing benefits in the 3 years before your claim. You must also have paid at least 30% of the yearly maximum EI premiums in 7 of the last 10 years.
How not to miss it
- Apply within 4 weeks of your last day of work. If you wait longer, you can lose benefits.
- Do not wait for your record of employment. You can send documents after you apply.
- On Ontario Works? EI is counted as income, and in some cases it can end your Ontario Works support. Tell your caseworker. Read how Ontario Works counts the money you earn.
Your next steps
- Apply online on the EI regular benefits application page within 4 weeks of your last day of work.
- If you get Ontario Works, report your EI claim. See how Ontario Works eligibility works.
- Look for other help you may be missing in benefits many Canadians do not know they qualify for.
Questions people ask
Questions people ask
What are the new EI rules for October 2026?
Since October 11, 2026, the waiting week stays waived and severance and vacation pay are not deducted from Employment Insurance. Only the reason your last job ended is reviewed, so an earlier quit does not count against you. Long-time workers may get extra weeks. These rules apply to all workers.
Is the EI waiting week waived in 2026?
Yes. The one-week waiting period is waived for new claims that start between March 30, 2025 and October 9, 2027. That means your Employment Insurance can be paid from your first week without work, instead of the first week going unpaid.
Does severance pay affect EI right now?
Not under the temporary rule. For claims that start by October 9, 2027, severance and vacation pay are not deducted from Employment Insurance. You do not have to use up that money first, so it does not delay or lower your benefits. Apply right away.
Can I get EI if I quit a job before being laid off?
Often, yes. For claims that start from October 11, 2026 to October 9, 2027, only the reason your last job ended is reviewed. If that job ended through no fault of your own, an earlier quit is not held against you, and all your insurable hours in the qualifying period count.
Does EI affect Ontario Works?
Yes. Ontario Works counts Employment Insurance as income, so your monthly support can go down. In some cases EI can make you no longer eligible for Ontario Works. Tell your caseworker when you apply for EI and when payments start.