Where a person receives employment insurance benefits that have been reduced to compensate for an overpayment or as a penalty, assistance may make up the deficit resulting from this reduction.
However, upon the request of the recipient, it is possible for the amounts withheld to compensate for an overpayment received pursuant to another Act to not be considered. As such, the deficit is compensated by last resort financial assistance and the assistance is RECOVERABLE.
The claim procedure is the same for all other recoverable sums (principle of pre-existing deficit). For more information, see section 5.6.
According to the First Nations of Quebec Income Security Policy Framework, last resort financial assistance should not be reduced following an EI sanction. The principal sanctions consist of:
- Failing to take steps with a view to entering the labour market;
- Refusing to take a job;
- Leaving a job;
- Losing a job.
The benefits thus granted are not recoverable.