If you have been laid off PP29, that is the week of July 13-19, 2026, then you will need to apply for EI benefit. Because you have been back to work, it is possible that you may qualify for EI benefit even if you have been recently denied. It is important to apply for EI for this temporary down week.
Please note, there will be no reference code for this layoff.
If you have an open EI claim and have continued to complete your biweekly reports, you can continue to report. Just be sure to read the dates carefully so that the income for the correct week is reported appropriately.
If you had an open claim but reported your return to full-time work, shutting down the claim, applying now will restart your claim. You should be able to report a few days after making application. EI will just need to process your application to wake the claim.
If you were denied EI recently, it is possible you may now qualify as you have accumulated additional hours. So, you must apply again to show if you will be receiving EI benefit or continue to be denied. Apply, then you can monitor your MSCA for claim details or a claim denial.
For all those laid off PP29, you can apply for EI benefit as early as Saturday, July 11, 2026, but you must apply within 2 weeks of your last day worked. Friday, July 10, 2026, will be considered your last day worked or paid. Short Work Week (SWW) payments are considered worked hours in the eyes of Service Canada/EI. So, unless you are required to work the weekend, your last day will be Friday, July 10, 2026.
For assistance in applying for EI, you can follow the guidelines set forth in a separate document. Again, there will be no reference code to use. Simply apply for Regular EI Benefit. Your last day worked or paid will be Friday, July 10, 2026. You cannot apply for EI until this week is over. So, Saturday, July 11, 2026, is the earliest you can apply for EI benefit.
As this is only expected to be a one-week layoff, it is important to remember to complete your reports. Keep an eye on the dates of the reporting period and report your earnings for the weeks you worked and $0 for the layoff week.
Click on following link for step by step instructions on how to apply for E.I.
In solidarity,
Paul Ivey, Unifor Local 707 Benefit Representative
Tim Batke, Alternate Benefit Representative
