What is the initial step in appealing a denied EI claim?

The initial step in appealing a denied Employment Insurance (EI) claim is to request a reconsideration from Service Canada. This is because the reconsideration process allows individuals to formally dispute the decision made on their claim, and it must be initiated before pursuing any subsequent appeals through other channels.

When an EI claim is denied, the claimant receives a decision letter that outlines the reasons for the denial. By requesting a reconsideration, the claimant can provide additional information or clarify any misunderstandings that may have led to the denial. This request is essential, as it offers the opportunity for Service Canada to review the case again before escalating it to the Social Security Tribunal or pursuing legal counsel.

The alternative choices involve actions that occur after the initial reconsideration step. Submitting a new application is not appropriate as it does not address the denial directly; the original claim should be discussed first. Consulting a legal advisor and contacting the Social Security Tribunal are steps that might come later in the process if the reconsideration does not yield a favorable outcome. Thus, the reconsideration request is the foundational action in this appeal process.