Difference between revisions of "Keeping Out of Trouble on Employment Insurance (8:IX)"

At some point, the claimant may be summoned to the local EI office for an interview regarding his or her job search. Typically the Investigation and Control Officer asks the claimant questions and makes a “Report of Interview,” which is later reviewed by an Insurance Officer who will, on the basis of the Report, decide whether or not benefits are to continue. The claimant does not need to sign or affirm the report, though it is supposed to be read to him or her, and a copy should be provided for the claimant’s records.  

The Commission can disqualify a claimant for 7-12 weeks if the claimant fails to attend, without good cause, an interview the Commission asks him or her to attend (''EI Act'', s 27(1)(d)). The claimant must either attend the interview or phone to make a new appointment and confirm the new appointment in writing.  

To protect against a potentially misleading report, the claimant should try to be as general as possible in his or her report. However, telling the truth during the interview is imperative. For example, the client should state, if true, that he or she would accept the going rate rather than stating his or her desired wage.  

If the claimant decides, after the Report is read to them, that it is incorrect or misleading, the claimant should tell the Officer immediately because the Officer may correct the report immediately.  If the Officer refuses or if the claimant later decides that they disagree, the claimant should write a letter stating their position.  This is important since an appeal may be necessary and such an immediate reaction by the claimant may convince the Board of his or her honesty and integrity.  It may also lead to the earlier reinstatement of a claimant who is disentitled for unreasonably restricting his or her job search.

:'''NOTE:''' The paper "Report Card" method is only available to a claimant who cannot otherwise transmit his or her report card online or by phone. The standard ways of processing and paying EI benefits are the Reporting Service by Internet and the Telephone Report Service.