EI Reconsideration: Ask Service Canada to Review a Decision

EI reconsideration is a formal request for Service Canada to review an Employment Insurance decision. You may need it if benefits were refused or you were told to repay an amount. First, identify the decision and when it was communicated to you. Then prepare the form and evidence for that decision, rather than opening a new claim to try to replace it.

What decision do you want reviewed?

Also, keep the decision letter, account message or notes about the call that told you the result. Record the issue, dates and reason given. A disagreement about hours of work is different from a disagreement about why a job ended. Your explanation should address the actual reason in the decision.

The official EI reconsideration guidance suggests sending new details that could change the result as soon as possible. Service Canada can review that material. However, do not assume an informal discussion by itself replaces the formal review step or changes its deadline.

What is the time limit?

The guidance says to submit the signed review form within 30 days after the decision was given. There is no fee for the request. If you are late, you need to explain the delay, and acceptance is not automatic. Start with the actual communication date rather than the date you first decided to challenge the result.

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For example, keep the date a written decision reached you and any earlier call about the same result. If you are unsure which event starts the period, get prompt help rather than waiting for the uncertainty to resolve itself. A clear timeline helps explain both the request and any reason for lateness.

What should you include?

• The decision you disagree with.
• The facts you believe were missed or misunderstood.
• The result you are asking Service Canada to reconsider.
• Records that support the disputed facts.
• An explanation of delay if the request is late.

Use records that connect to the issue. For instance, a work schedule or employer message may explain a disputed date. A long account of unrelated job problems may not. Label each attachment and show how it supports a particular fact. Keep the original records and send copies as the process directs.

How do you send the request?

Get the current form through the official page, complete it, print and sign it. The guidance provides in-person and mailing routes to Service Canada. Check that the signature and ID details are present before sending it. Then retain a copy and evidence of when and how you sent it.

If someone helps you discuss the claim, check the separate consent process for sharing details. A friend who wrote the explanation does not by itself have permission to receive private claim details. Keep the form for consent to share details separate from the argument about the EI decision.

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What happens after review?

A different officer reviews the decision and relevant evidence. Watch for requests for more details and keep any response with the same case record. When the result arrives, read the written reasons before deciding what to do next. Review is a review process, not a promise that the first decision will change.

If you still disagree, the current guidance names the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal for the next appeal stage. It replaced the SST General Division for these EI appeals from April 1, 2026. Check the deadline in the decision and current instructions. Do not use an old appeal checklist that sends an EI review appeal to the wrong body.

The current EI appeal route has its own 30-day period from receipt of the review decision. Keep that date apart from the date of the first decision. They concern two different stages of the dispute.