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Canada EI Benefit Calculator 2026 — Employment Insurance

Estimate your Employment Insurance regular benefit amount, weekly payment (max $695), and total over 14-45 weeks depending on your region.

Reviewed by Canadian Money Help Editorial Updated May 5, 2026 Source Service Canada — EI Benefits

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Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary income replacement to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, as well as to those who take maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, or family caregiver leave. The weekly EI benefit is calculated at 55% of your average insurable earnings up to the maximum insurable earnings (MIE) amount, subject to a waiting period and regional unemployment thresholds.

Quick Answer

For 2026, the maximum insurable earnings are $68,900 per year. The maximum weekly EI benefit is $729 (55% x $68,900 / 52 weeks). You must have accumulated between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment in the qualifying period depending on the unemployment rate in your region. The two-week waiting period applies to most regular EI claims.

How Weekly EI Is Calculated

Step 1 — Find your average weekly insurable earnings: Service Canada uses the best 14 to 22 weeks of earnings (the “divisor weeks” based on regional unemployment rate). The average = total insurable earnings in the reference period divided by the number of divisor weeks.

Step 2 — Apply the 55% rate: Weekly benefit = average weekly insurable earnings x 55%. Maximum = $729/week in 2026.

Step 3 — Apply the waiting period: Most claimants serve a mandatory two-week waiting period with no EI payments. The benefit duration depends on accumulated insurable hours and the regional unemployment rate — ranging from 14 to 45 weeks.

2026 EI Key Rates

Parameter 2026 Value
Maximum insurable earnings (MIE) $68,900
Maximum weekly benefit $729
Benefit rate (regular) 55% of average weekly earnings
Waiting period 2 weeks (most claims)
Required insurable hours (regular) 420–700 hours (regional)
Maximum benefit weeks (regular) 14–45 weeks (regional)
Employee EI premium rate (outside Quebec) 1.63% up to MIE ($1,123.07 max)
Employer EI premium rate 2.282% (1.4x employee rate, $1,572.30 max)
Employee EI premium rate (Quebec) 1.30% up to MIE ($895.70 max)

Source: Service Canada, 2026 EI program parameters.

EI Special Benefits

EI also covers special benefits with different rates and durations:

– Maternity benefits: Up to 15 weeks at 55% of insurable earnings (or 80% under the Higher Rate Supplement for low-income claimants)
– Standard parental benefits: Up to 40 weeks combined (one parent can receive up to 35 weeks), at 55% of insurable earnings
– Extended parental benefits: Up to 69 weeks combined (one parent up to 61 weeks), at 33% of insurable earnings
– Sickness benefits: Up to 26 weeks at 55% of insurable earnings
– Compassionate care benefits: Up to 26 weeks at 55%
– Family caregiver benefits for adults: Up to 15 weeks at 55%
– Family caregiver benefits for children: Up to 35 weeks at 55%

Verified Against Source

EI parameters are set annually by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The 2026 maximum insurable earnings of $68,900 and premium rate of 1.63% are published in the Canada Gazette. The number of required insurable hours and the regional unemployment thresholds are updated quarterly. Source: canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

Edge Cases

Self-employed: Self-employed Canadians who register for EI and pay the required premiums may access maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits — but not regular EI benefits.

Variable and seasonal work: For workers with irregular earnings, Service Canada uses the best 14-22 weeks to avoid penalizing those with weeks of lower earnings or layoffs.

Waiting period waiver: The waiting period is waived for compassionate care, family caregiver, and critically ill child/adult claims in certain circumstances.

Part-time EI: If you work part-time while receiving EI, Service Canada applies an earnings exemption — you keep the greater of $75 or 40% of your weekly EI benefit. Earnings above that reduce your EI dollar for dollar.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the maximum EI benefit in 2025?
The maximum weekly EI benefit in 2025 is $695, based on 55% of maximum insurable earnings of $65,700 per year ($65,700 / 52 weeks x 55% = $695). Your actual benefit depends on your average weekly insurable earnings over the qualifying period.
How is my EI weekly benefit calculated?
Service Canada takes your best 14 to 22 weeks of insurable earnings in the qualifying period (the number of divisor weeks depends on the unemployment rate in your region) and divides by the divisor to get your average weekly earnings. The weekly benefit = average weekly earnings x 55%, up to $695.
How many hours do I need to qualify for EI?
For regular EI benefits in 2025, you need between 420 and 700 insurable hours in the qualifying period. The exact hours required depend on the unemployment rate in your economic region — lower unemployment regions require more hours. Service Canada publishes regional thresholds quarterly.
What is the EI waiting period?
Most EI claimants serve a two-week waiting period with no EI payments before benefits begin. This period is similar to a deductible. The waiting period is waived for some special benefit types, including some compassionate care and family caregiver situations.
How long can I receive EI?
Regular EI can be paid for 14 to 45 weeks depending on insurable hours accumulated and the unemployment rate in your region. Higher unemployment regions and more hours worked generally result in longer entitlement periods. Maternity benefits run up to 15 weeks; parental benefits up to 40 weeks (standard) or 69 weeks (extended).
Can I work part-time and still receive EI?
Yes. If you work while on regular EI, Service Canada allows you to keep the greater of $75 or 40% of your weekly EI benefit without reduction. Earnings above that threshold reduce your EI payment dollar for dollar. Report all earnings to Service Canada through your biweekly report.
Are EI benefits taxable?
Yes. EI benefits are taxable income in the year received. Service Canada issues a T4E slip showing the total EI received. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) withholds income tax at source, but you may owe additional tax or receive a refund at filing depending on your total annual income.
Can self-employed workers collect EI?
Self-employed Canadians can opt into the EI program for access to special benefits (maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, family caregiver). They pay the employee premium rate on their net self-employment income but do NOT qualify for regular EI benefits if their business closes or slows down.
What is the EI premium rate for employees in 2025?
The employee EI premium rate for 2025 is 1.64% of insurable earnings, up to maximum insurable earnings of $65,700. The maximum employee premium is $1,077.48 per year. Employers pay 1.4x the employee rate ($2.296% or $1,508.47 maximum per employee).
What is the difference between standard and extended parental benefits?
Standard parental benefits pay 55% of insurable earnings for up to 40 weeks (one parent can receive up to 35 weeks). Extended parental benefits pay 33% for up to 69 weeks (one parent up to 61 weeks). Both must be chosen at the time of application — the choice cannot be changed afterward. Partners can share the combined weeks under either option.

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Methodology

Weekly EI benefit = best-weeks average insurable earnings x 55%, capped at MIE/52 x 55%. 2025 MIE $65,700, premium rate 1.64%. Regional divisor weeks 14-22, benefit duration 14-45 weeks. Service Canada parameters applied.