Canadian EI Benefits Calculator
Estimate your weekly Employment Insurance benefit for regular, sickness, maternity, or parental claims. Includes the family supplement, regional unemployment rate, and Quebec QPIP routing. 2026 rates supported.
2026 EI Maximums at a Glance
Standard Rate
55%
Max Weekly Benefit
$729
Max Insurable Earnings
$68,900
Waiting Period
1 week
Your Situation
Lost your job through no fault of your own — 14–45 weeks depending on regional unemployment.
≈ $1,154/week
35 hrs/week × 52 = 1,820 max counted
Determines minimum hours required and weeks payable. Look up your region at canada.ca/EI-rates.
For family supplement (under $25,921)
Your Estimated EI Benefits
Weekly Benefit
$635
55% of insurable earnings
Weeks Payable
37
max 37 weeks
Total Benefit
$23,495
over 37 weeks
How it works: EI benefits pay 55% of your average insurable earnings (33% for the extended parental option), capped at the annual Maximum Insurable Earnings ceiling — $729 per week for 2026. For regular benefits, both the hours of insurable employment required and the number of weeks payable depend on your regional unemployment rate. Special benefits (sickness, maternity, parental) all require 600 insurable hours regardless of region. The family supplement boosts the rate up to 80% for low-income families with a child eligible for the Canada Child Benefit. A 1-week unpaid waiting period applies before benefits begin.
EI Benefit Types Explained
- Regular benefits — For workers who lose their job through no fault of their own (layoff, shortage of work, seasonal end). Pays 55% for 14–45 weeks depending on regional unemployment and hours worked. Requires 420–700 insurable hours.
- Sickness benefits — For workers unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine. Up to 26 weeks (extended from 15 weeks in December 2022). Requires 600 insurable hours and a medical certificate.
- Maternity benefits — For the birth parent (people who are pregnant or have recently given birth). Up to 15 weeks at 55%. Can start as early as 12 weeks before the due date. Requires 600 insurable hours.
- Parental — Standard option — For caring for a newborn or newly adopted child. Up to 35 weeks per parent at 55%, 40 weeks combined per family if shared between two parents.
- Parental — Extended option — Same total dollars spread over more time at a lower rate. Up to 61 weeks per parent at 33%, 69 weeks combined per family. Better if you want a longer leave; once chosen, the option is locked in for both parents.
How the Family Supplement Works
The Family Supplement boosts your EI rate from the standard 55% up to a maximum of 80% of your insurable earnings if your net family income is below $25,921 and you (or your spouse) receive the Canada Child Benefit. The boost is largest at lower income levels and phases down to zero at the threshold. Service Canada applies it automatically based on your most recent tax return — you do not need to apply separately. The Family Supplement does not change how long you can collect benefits, only the weekly amount.
The supplement is not available to Quebec residents claiming maternity or parental benefits, since those are paid through QPIP rather than EI.
Regional Unemployment & Variable Best Weeks
For regular EI benefits, both the minimum hours required and the maximum weeks payable depend on the unemployment rate in your EI economic region. Service Canada also calculates your weekly benefit using your "best weeks" — the highest-earning 14 to 22 weeks of insurable income from the qualifying period (last 52 weeks). The number of best weeks used depends on the regional rate:
- ≤ 6.0% unemployment: 22 best weeks, 700 hours, 14–36 weeks payable
- 6.1–8.0%: 20–21 best weeks, 630–665 hours, 14–38 weeks payable
- 8.1–10.0%: 18–19 best weeks, 560–595 hours, 20–40 weeks payable
- 10.1–12.0%: 16–17 best weeks, 490–525 hours, 26–42 weeks payable
- 12.1–13.0%: 15 best weeks, 455 hours, 32–43 weeks payable
- ≥ 13.1%: 14 best weeks, 420 hours, 35–45 weeks payable
Look up the current rate for your region on the Service Canada website (link in sources below).
Frequently asked questions
How much will I get on EI?
EI pays 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week for 2026 ($695 for 2025, $668 for 2024). Low-income families with a child eligible for the Canada Child Benefit may receive up to 80% through the Family Supplement.
How long do EI benefits last?
Regular benefits: 14–45 weeks based on regional unemployment. Sickness: 26 weeks. Maternity: 15 weeks. Parental Standard: up to 35 weeks per parent (40 shared). Parental Extended: up to 61 weeks per parent (69 shared) at 33%.
How many hours do I need to qualify?
Regular EI requires 420–700 insurable hours depending on regional unemployment. Special benefits (sickness, maternity, parental, compassionate care) all require 600 insurable hours regardless of region.
Standard or Extended parental — which is better?
The total dollars are roughly the same. Standard pays 55% for up to 35 weeks per parent (a higher weekly amount). Extended pays 33% for up to 61 weeks per parent (a lower weekly amount over more weeks). Choose based on whether you want more income or more time off. The choice is locked once benefits start, and both parents must pick the same option.
Do Quebec residents get EI maternity and parental?
No. Quebec uses the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) instead of federal EI for maternity, paternity, and parental benefits. QPIP rates and durations are different — see the official QPIP site for accurate amounts. Quebec residents still claim regular EI and sickness benefits through Service Canada.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes — 1 unpaid week before benefits begin. Apply as soon as you stop working, even if you receive severance or vacation pay, because late applications can cost you weeks of benefits.
Sources
- Canada.ca — Employment Insurance Benefits Overview
- Canada.ca — Maximum Insurable Earnings & Weekly Maximums
- Canada.ca — EI Regular Benefits Eligibility
- Canada.ca — EI Maternity and Parental Benefits
- Canada.ca — EI Sickness Benefits (26-week)
- Canada.ca — EI Family Supplement
- RQAP — Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)
Related Calculators
Last updated April 2026. Reflects 2026 maximum insurable earnings and EI rates published by Service Canada.