EI Calculator Canada

🍁 Free Canadian Tool

EI Calculator Canada 2026

Estimate your Employment Insurance benefits, check eligibility, and see how long you can receive payments based on your hours and region.

Updated March 2026 • Max $729/week • 55% benefit rate
💼 Your Employment Details
$
hours
📊 Your EI Estimate
Estimated Weekly Benefit
$660
55% of your average weekly earnings
Monthly Benefit
$2,860
Weeks Eligible
36 weeks
Total Benefits
$23,760
Hours Required
420 hrs
✓ You Likely Qualify for EI
You have 1,400 hours (need 420)
Benefit Calculation
Weekly Earnings $1,200
× Benefit Rate 55%
= Weekly Benefit $660
Max Weekly (2026) $729
⚡ 2026 Temporary Measures (Until April 11, 2026)
  • One-week waiting period waived
  • Severance/vacation pay doesn't reduce benefits
  • Long-tenured workers: up to 65 weeks total
💡 Best Weeks: EI uses your 14-22 highest-earning weeks (based on regional unemployment) to calculate benefits.

How Employment Insurance Works in Canada (2026)

Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary income support to Canadians who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. The program also covers maternity, parental, sickness, and caregiving benefits. This EI calculator helps you estimate your weekly benefits, check eligibility, and understand how long you can receive payments.

2026 EI Rates and Maximums

EI Parameter 2026 Amount 2025 Comparison
Maximum Insurable Earnings $68,900 $65,700 (+$3,200)
Maximum Weekly Benefit $729 $695 (+$34)
Benefit Rate 55% 55% (unchanged)
Employee Premium Rate 1.63% 1.64% (-0.01%)
Quebec Premium Rate 1.30% 1.31% (-0.01%)
Max Annual Employee Premium $1,123.07 $1,077.48 (+$45.59)
Employer Premium (1.4×) 2.28% 2.30% (-0.02%)

Hours Required to Qualify (Regional)

The number of hours you need to qualify for EI regular benefits depends on the unemployment rate in your region:

Regional Unemployment Rate Hours Required Best Weeks Used Max Weeks of Benefits
6% and under 700 hours 22 weeks 14-36 weeks
6.1% - 7% 665 hours 21 weeks 15-37 weeks
7.1% - 8% 630 hours 20 weeks 16-38 weeks
8.1% - 9% 595 hours 19 weeks 17-39 weeks
9.1% - 10% 560 hours 18 weeks 18-40 weeks
10.1% - 11% 525 hours 17 weeks 19-41 weeks
11.1% - 12% 490 hours 16 weeks 20-42 weeks
12.1% - 13% 455 hours 15 weeks 21-43 weeks
13.1% and over 420 hours 14 weeks 22-45 weeks

How EI Benefits Are Calculated

EI uses a "best weeks" system to calculate your benefits:

  • Step 1: Service Canada identifies your highest-earning weeks in the past 52 weeks
  • Step 2: The number of weeks used (14-22) depends on your regional unemployment rate
  • Step 3: Your total earnings from these weeks are divided by the number of weeks
  • Step 4: The result is multiplied by 55% to get your weekly benefit
  • Step 5: Your benefit is capped at the 2026 maximum of $729/week

2026 Temporary Measures

Important temporary measures are in effect for claims starting before April 11, 2026:

  • Waiting Period Waived: The one-week unpaid waiting period is eliminated
  • Separation Earnings Protected: Severance, vacation pay, and pay in lieu of notice don't reduce your benefits
  • Long-Tenured Worker Extension: Eligible workers can receive up to 20 additional weeks (65 weeks maximum)

To qualify as a long-tenured worker, you must have received fewer than 36 weeks of regular benefits in the past 3 years AND paid at least 30% of maximum annual EI premiums for 7 of the last 10 years.

Working While on EI

You can work part-time while receiving EI benefits:

  • Keep 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar earned
  • Earnings up to 90% of your previous weekly earnings have this 50% deduction
  • Above 90%, benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar
  • Working a full week makes you ineligible for benefits that week
  • Report earnings when worked, not when paid

Types of EI Benefits

Benefit Type Maximum Duration Eligibility
Regular Benefits 14-45 weeks (up to 65 with extension) Involuntary job loss
Maternity Benefits 15 weeks Biological mothers, 600 hours required
Parental Benefits (Standard) 40 weeks (35 per parent) Either parent, 600 hours required
Parental Benefits (Extended) 69 weeks (61 per parent) at 33% Either parent, 600 hours required
Sickness Benefits 26 weeks Illness, injury, or quarantine
Caregiving Benefits 15-35 weeks Caring for ill family member
Compassionate Care 26 weeks End-of-life care for family

Frequently Asked Questions

How much EI will I get per week in 2026?
You'll receive 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week in 2026. For example, if you earned $1,200/week, your EI benefit would be $660/week. Low-income families with children may receive up to 80% through the Family Supplement.
How many hours do I need to qualify for EI?
You need between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment in the past 52 weeks, depending on your regional unemployment rate. Higher unemployment regions require fewer hours. Use the EI Economic Region lookup tool on Service Canada's website to find your specific requirement.
Can I get EI if I quit my job?
Generally, no. You must have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, company closure, shortage of work). However, you may qualify if you quit with "just cause"—such as harassment, unsafe conditions, significant pay cut, or following a spouse who must relocate for work.
Is the one-week waiting period still in effect?
No, for claims starting between March 30, 2025 and April 11, 2026, the one-week waiting period is waived. This means you can receive benefits starting from your first week of unemployment. After this temporary measure expires, the waiting period may return.
Will my severance pay affect my EI benefits?
Under normal rules, severance and vacation pay can delay or reduce EI benefits. However, for claims starting before April 11, 2026, there's a temporary measure that prevents separation earnings from affecting your benefits. You can receive both severance and EI simultaneously.
How long can I receive EI benefits?
Regular benefits last 14 to 45 weeks depending on your hours worked and regional unemployment rate. For 2026, eligible long-tenured workers can receive up to 20 additional weeks (65 weeks total) if their claim starts before April 11, 2026.
When should I apply for EI?
Apply immediately after your last day of work—ideally within 4 weeks. Delaying your application can result in lost benefits. Don't wait for your Record of Employment (ROE); most employers submit these electronically. Service Canada can start processing your claim while waiting for the ROE.
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Accuracy Commitment: This EI calculator uses official 2026 rates from Service Canada and the Canada Employment Insurance Commission. Actual benefits depend on your specific situation, employment history, and region. Apply through Service Canada for official determination of your eligibility and benefits.