What is the 2026 maximum EI benefit?

$695 per week, based on 55 percent of the maximum insurable earnings of $65,700 ($1,263 per week). This applies to regular, sickness, maternity, and standard parental benefits.

How many hours do I need to qualify for EI?

Between 420 and 700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks, depending on your regional unemployment rate. Higher regional unemployment means fewer hours required.

How long can I collect EI?

14 to 45 weeks for regular benefits. Maternity: 15 weeks. Standard parental: 40 weeks at 55 percent. Extended parental: 69 weeks at 33 percent. Sickness: 26 weeks.

Is EI taxable in Canada?

Yes. EI benefits are added to your taxable income for the year. Service Canada also withholds tax at source on most claims.

Is there a waiting period for EI?

Yes. Most claimants face a 1-week unpaid waiting period before payments start. Waived for sickness and some special situations.

Dinero e impuestos en Canadá

Calculadora de prestaciones del EI (seguro de empleo de Canadá 2026)

Gratis, privado y funciona en tu navegador. Las estimaciones son orientativas, así que consulta las fuentes oficiales antes de actuar.

Esta página aún no está traducida por completo, así que algunas partes se muestran en inglés.

Quick answer

How much will I get on EI in Canada in 2026?

EI regular benefits pay 55 percent of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $695 per week in 2026 (based on the $65,700 maximum insurable earnings). Duration is 14 to 45 weeks depending on regional unemployment rate and insurable hours (420-700 required). Apply at Canada.ca/EI within 4 weeks of your last day worked.

Last updated: May 13, 2026 · Source: Service Canada EI regulations 2026, Employment Insurance Act, ESDC Canada

EI Benefit Calculator (Canada 2026)

Estimate weekly Employment Insurance benefit and how long it will last.

Annual gross income (last 52 weeks, CAD)Insurable hours worked in last 52 weeksRegional unemployment rate (percent)

How Much Will I Get on EI in 2026?

Estimate your weekly Employment Insurance benefit and how long it will last.

The formula: EI regular benefits pay 55 percent of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $695 per week in 2026 (based on the $65,700 maximum insurable earnings).

How EI is calculated

Service Canada looks at your highest-earning weeks over the past 52 weeks (between 14 and 22 weeks depending on the regional unemployment rate) and averages them. You multiply that average by 0.55 to get your weekly benefit. Hours required to qualify: 420 to 700 hours in the last 52 weeks, again depending on your region s unemployment rate.

How long do benefits last?

Between 14 and 45 weeks. The exact number depends on the regional unemployment rate where you live and how many insurable hours you accumulated. A region with high unemployment plus a worker with many insurable hours gets the longest entitlement.

Quick example

Sasha earned $68,000 last year, all weeks roughly equal — about $1,308 per week. EI caps the insurable earnings at $1,263/week (the 2026 max), so her weekly EI is $1,263 × 0.55 = $695. She qualifies for 21 weeks based on her region s 7 percent unemployment rate.

Other EI benefits

Maternity: up to 15 weeks, 55 percent of earnings (max $695).
Standard parental: up to 40 weeks at 55 percent.
Extended parental: up to 69 weeks at 33 percent.
Sickness: up to 26 weeks at 55 percent.
Compassionate care: up to 26 weeks for a gravely ill family member.

Apply online at Canada.ca/EI within 4 weeks of your last day worked. Most claimants have a 1-week waiting period before payments start.

More tools for Canadians

Reviewed by: Montreal Tips editorial team · Last updated: May 13, 2026

Sources: Service Canada EI regulations 2026, Employment Insurance Act, ESDC Canada. Estimates are educational only — verify against official sources before acting.