Canada EI Benefits Calculator
Calculate your Employment Insurance (EI) regular benefits for 2026. EI pays 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings up to a maximum of $695 per week. This calculator estimates your weekly benefit, total entitlement, and benefit duration based on your region's unemployment rate.
Regional Rule Context
Canada Rates and Rules
Enter Values
Your average weekly earnings before deductions
Number of best weeks used to calculate average (14 to 22)
Result
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Employment Insurance regular benefits calculator for 2025-2026. EI pays 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings up to a maximum of $695 per week. Maximum insurable earnings are $65,700 per year. A one-week unpaid waiting period applies before benefits begin. Duration ranges from 14 to 45 weeks depending on insurable hours and regional unemployment rate. You need 420 to 700 hours to qualify. EI benefits are taxable income. Employee premium rate is 1.64% of insurable earnings.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of Jan 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Apr 1, 2026.
Formula
EI regular benefits are calculated at 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, capped at the maximum insurable earnings of $65,700 per year ($1,263.46/week). The number of weeks you can collect depends on your hours worked and your regional unemployment rate.
Canada FAQs
How is the EI weekly benefit calculated?
Your weekly benefit is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to the maximum insurable amount. Service Canada uses your best 14 to 22 weeks of earnings (depending on your region unemployment rate) to calculate the average. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $695.
How many weeks of EI can I collect in Canada?
The number of weeks ranges from 14 to 45, depending on your insurable hours and the unemployment rate in your economic region. For example, with 700 hours in a region with 6% unemployment, you could receive about 17 weeks. With 1,820 hours in a region with 13%+ unemployment, you could receive up to 45 weeks.
What is the one-week EI waiting period?
Before your first EI payment, there is a mandatory one-week waiting period during which no benefits are paid. This works like a deductible on an insurance policy. Your benefits start on the second week after you file your claim and complete the required reports.
Can I work while receiving EI?
Yes. Under the Working While on Claim rules, you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit (or $50, whichever is higher) without any reduction. Earnings above that threshold reduce your EI payment dollar for dollar. All earnings must be reported on your bi-weekly report.
How do I apply for EI benefits?
Apply online through the Service Canada website as soon as possible after losing your job. You will need your Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer, your Social Insurance Number, and personal banking information for direct deposit. Processing typically takes 28 days from the date you file.
What happens if I quit my job?
If you voluntarily leave your job without just cause, you are generally not eligible for EI regular benefits. However, if you quit for valid reasons such as harassment, unsafe working conditions, following a spouse to a new location, or caring for a family member, you may still qualify. Service Canada reviews each case individually.
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