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Canada EI Benefits Calculator 2026

Estimate your weekly Employment Insurance payment, total benefit, and how many weeks you qualify for — based on 2026 maximum insurable earnings of $65,700.

Check ESDC lookup for your region
For informational purposes only. Actual EI benefits are determined by Service Canada. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
$0
Weekly Benefit
55%
Benefit Rate
0 wks
Estimated Duration
$0
Estimated Total Benefit
$0
Avg. Weekly Insurable Earnings
$0
Annual EI Premium (employee)

How the EI Calculator Works

  1. Average weekly earnings: Your total insurable earnings are divided by the best weeks (between 14 and 22 weeks depending on your unemployment rate). The calculator uses weeks worked as a simplification.
  2. Benefit rate: The standard rate is 55% of average weekly insurable earnings, capped at the maximum weekly benefit ($695 for 2026). The family supplement raises this to up to 80%.
  3. Duration: Weeks of benefits range from 14 to 45, determined by your regional unemployment rate and your insurable hours — higher regional unemployment = more weeks.
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Understanding Employment Insurance in Canada

Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary income replacement to Canadians who have lost their job through no fault of their own — and to those who must stop working due to illness, pregnancy, or caregiving. Regular EI benefits are the most common type and apply to those who have been laid off, let go, or had hours cut significantly.

For informational purposes only. Actual EI amounts and duration are determined by Service Canada. Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on benefit estimates.

2026 EI Key Figures

For 2026, the key EI parameters are: maximum insurable earnings (MIE) = $65,700, maximum weekly benefit = $695, and employee premium rate = 1.64% of insurable earnings (up to MIE). Employers pay 1.4× the employee rate.

Best Weeks Calculation

EI benefits are based on your average weekly earnings from your "best weeks" — typically the highest-earning weeks in your qualifying period. The number of best weeks used (14 to 22) depends on the unemployment rate in your economic region. This ensures the benefit reflects your typical earnings rather than any unusually low weeks.

Planning for a job transition? See how EI fits alongside your take-home pay and Canadian income tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EI benefit rate for 2026?
For 2026, the standard EI benefit rate is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum weekly benefit of $695 (based on maximum insurable earnings of $65,700). A higher rate of 80% applies if you have a low income and dependent children.
What are maximum insurable earnings (MIE) for 2026?
The maximum insurable earnings (MIE) for 2026 is $65,700. This is the annual income ceiling on which EI premiums are calculated and benefits are based. Earnings above this amount are not insurable.
How long can I receive EI regular benefits?
EI regular benefits range from 14 to 45 weeks depending on your regional unemployment rate and the number of insurable hours you worked in the qualifying period (last 52 weeks or since your last claim). Higher unemployment areas allow longer benefit periods.
How many insurable hours do I need to qualify for EI?
You generally need between 420 and 700 insurable hours in your qualifying period to qualify for EI regular benefits. The exact threshold depends on the unemployment rate in your region — lower unemployment areas require more hours.
What is the EI waiting period?
There is a 1-week waiting period at the start of your EI claim for which you do not receive benefits. This applies to most regular and special EI claims. You still apply immediately — the waiting week simply delays your first payment.
What is the family supplement for EI?
If your net family income is $25,921 or less and you have dependent children, you may qualify for the family supplement. This raises the benefit rate from 55% to up to 80% of insurable earnings. The calculator includes this option.

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