EI Benefits Calculator
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate your EI benefits — 55% of average insurable weekly earnings up to the 2026 maximum of $729/week, your best-weeks divisor by region, and the severance allocation that delays the start.
Quick answer: EI regular benefits = 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, capped at $729/week for 2026 (insurable earnings ceiling $68,900). The average uses your 14-22 best weeks depending on regional unemployment. Duration: 14-45 weeks.
How EI Calculates Your Benefit
Service Canada takes your best weeks of insurable earnings in the 52-week qualifying period — between 14 (high-unemployment regions) and 22 (low) weeks — averages them, and pays 55%, capped at the annual maximum ($729/week for 2026, from the $68,900 insurable ceiling). The regional divisor matters: the same earnings produce a higher average where fewer best weeks are required.
Worked Examples
Example 1. $28,000 across 20 best weeks → $1,400 average → 55% = $770 → capped at $729/week.
Example 2 — regional difference. Same earnings pattern, 14-week divisor region (using the best 14 weeks = $21,000): average $1,500 → capped $729 anyway for this earner — but for a $900-average worker, the divisor shifts the benefit by $50-100/week.
Example 3 — severance allocation. 12 weeks of severance: EI starts paying at week 13 (after the 1-week waiting period inside it). The entitlement isn't lost — it's pushed — but your benefit window and job-search runway shift accordingly.
Core Rules
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Qualifying hours | 420-700 insurable hours (regional) in the last 52 weeks |
| Duration | 14-45 weeks, from regional rate + hours banked |
| Waiting period | 1 week unpaid |
| Working while on claim | Keep 50¢ per $1 earned, up to 90% of previous weekly earnings — then dollar-for-dollar |
| Quits/misconduct | Voluntary leaving without just cause or dismissal for misconduct disqualifies entirely |
| Taxes | Taxable; modest withholding at source — budget a top-up at filing |
Severance and the Allocation Game
All separation money — severance, pay in lieu, unused vacation pay — gets allocated at your normal weekly earnings from the separation date, delaying EI week-for-week. Apply within 4 weeks of your last day ANYWAY (late applications can forfeit weeks), report the amounts, and let Service Canada compute the delay. Lump-sum vs salary-continuation doesn't change the allocation; only the amounts do.
Beyond Regular Benefits
The same 55%/$729 math drives sickness (26 weeks), maternity (15), standard parental (40 shared, 55% ) or extended parental (69 weeks at 33%), caregiving, and fishing benefits — each with its own access rules. The maternity/parental standard-vs-extended election is irreversible once payments start: 55% × 12 months vs 33% × 18 months of coverage is a genuine household-math decision.
Clawback Note
Higher earners (net income above ~1.25× the ceiling) repay 30% of the lesser of benefits or income above the threshold at tax time — relevant when strong re-employment follows a short claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is EI in 2026?
55% of your average insurable weekly earnings (best 14-22 weeks), up to $729/week — from the $68,900 maximum insurable earnings.
How long can I get EI?
14-45 weeks, based on your regional unemployment rate and insurable hours banked in the qualifying period.
Does severance delay EI?
Yes — all separation money allocates at your normal weekly wage, pushing the start week-for-week. Apply within 4 weeks of separation regardless.
Can I work part-time on EI?
Yes — you keep 50 cents of benefit per dollar earned, until earnings hit 90% of your prior weekly wage.
How many hours do I need to qualify?
420-700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks, set by your region's unemployment rate.
Is EI taxable?
Yes — withholding at source is light, so set aside extra; high earners also face the 30% repayment clawback above the income threshold.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026