EI in Canada 2026: how much you get and how to apply

Employment Insurance regular benefits in Canada pay 55 per cent of your average insurable weekly earnings in 2026, up to a maximum of $729 a week, based on maximum insurable earnings of $68,900. Most people need between 420 and 700 hours of insurable work, depending on where they live, and apply online at canada.ca.

Updated Oct. 22, 2026, with regional figures for Oct. 11 to Nov. 7, 2026.

The figures come from Service Canada’s EI regular benefits amount page, which says “the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $68,900” as of Jan. 1, 2026, and that “you can receive a maximum amount of $729 per week.” Regular benefits are for people who lose their job through no fault of their own, such as a layoff or shortage of work.

Key facts

How much EI will I get in 2026?

Service Canada says “the basic rate for calculating Employment Insurance (EI) benefits is 55% of their average insurable weekly earnings.” Your average is based on your best weeks of earnings, meaning the weeks in which you earned the most, including insurable tips and commissions, during your qualifying period.

The number of best weeks used depends on the unemployment rate in your EI economic region. It ranges from the best 14 weeks in regions with the highest unemployment to the best 22 weeks in regions with the lowest. Earnings above the yearly maximum of $68,900, or about $1,325 a week, do not count, which is why the weekly benefit tops out at $729.

Low-income families with children can get more. Service Canada says the family supplement “may increase your benefit rate up to 80%” of average insurable earnings if your net family income is $25,921 a year or less and you have children for whom you or your spouse receive the Canada Child Benefit. The page also says “EI benefits are taxable, no matter what type of benefits you receive.”

How is an EI payment calculated? A worked example

Take a warehouse worker in Toronto who is laid off in late October 2026. In the Toronto EI region, the current table uses the best 21 weeks. If those 21 weeks average $900, the benefit is 55 per cent of $900, or $495 a week before tax. In Toronto, this worker needs 665 insurable hours to qualify and could receive between 15 and 38 weeks of benefits, depending on how many hours they worked.

Now take an engineer in Calgary whose best weeks average $1,500. Only the first $1,325 or so a week counts, so 55 per cent of the insurable amount works out to the $729 maximum, not $825. These are illustrations based on Service Canada’s published rules; your actual amount is set when your claim is processed.

Is there a waiting period for EI in 2026?

Normally there is one unpaid week, called the waiting period, before benefits start. It is currently waived. Service Canada’s temporary measures page says “the waiting period is waived for all new claims for EI benefits that start between March 30, 2025, and October 9, 2027.” The same window applies to a rule that stops separation earnings, such as severance or vacation pay, from being deducted from benefits. The measures were extended on Aug. 25, 2026, as we reported in our story on the EI tariff measures extension.

How many hours do I need to qualify for EI?

You need between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment in your qualifying period, which is generally the 52 weeks before your claim starts. Service Canada’s eligibility page sets the requirement at 700 hours where the regional unemployment rate is six per cent or lower and 420 hours where it is above 13 per cent. You must also have been without work and pay for at least seven consecutive days and be ready, willing and able to work.

The regional figures are reset roughly every four weeks. The table below shows Service Canada’s EI program characteristics for Oct. 11 to Nov. 7, 2026, for a major region in each province and territory. You can find your own region with Service Canada’s postal code lookup.

For the official unemployment picture by province, see our unemployment rate by province guide. Statistics Canada reported that the economy lost about 68,000 jobs in September, as covered in our September jobs report.

How long does EI last?

Regular benefits last from 14 to 45 weeks, depending on your region’s unemployment rate and the number of hours you worked. Under a temporary measure, long-tenured workers whose claims start between June 15, 2025, and June 12, 2027, can receive up to 20 extra weeks, to a maximum of 65 weeks. To qualify as long-tenured, you must have received fewer than 36 weeks of regular or fishing benefits in the three years before your claim and paid at least 30 per cent of the annual maximum EI premiums in at least seven of the previous 10 years.

How do I apply for EI on canada.ca?

Apply online through Service Canada’s EI application page as soon as you stop working, even if you have not yet received your record of employment. Service Canada warns that if you apply more than four weeks after your last day of work, you may lose benefits.

Step 1: Gather your social insurance number, your banking details for direct deposit, and the names, addresses and dates of employment for every employer in the past 52 weeks. Step 2: Make sure each employer issues your record of employment, or ROE; most employers submit it electronically, and you can view it in My Service Canada Account. Step 3: Complete the online application and keep the confirmation number. Step 4: Watch for your benefit statement, which includes a four-digit access code. Step 5: Submit your reports every two weeks, online or by phone, for as long as you receive benefits.

How long does it take to get EI payments?

Service Canada’s after you apply page says you will receive your first payment about 28 days after you apply, if you are eligible and have sent all the information required. Payments can be delayed if a record of employment is missing or a report is not submitted on time.

Can I work while receiving EI?

Yes. Service Canada’s while receiving EI page says you keep 50 cents of your benefits for every dollar you earn, up to 90 per cent of the weekly insurable earnings used to calculate your benefit. Above that, earnings are deducted dollar for dollar. All work and earnings must be declared in your biweekly reports.

What changes for EI in 2027?

Maximum insurable earnings rise to $70,800 on Jan. 1, 2027, and the employee premium rate rises to $1.64 per $100, or $1.29 in Quebec, according to the Canada Revenue Agency. Service Canada has not yet published the 2027 maximum weekly benefit. Details are in our stories on 2027 EI premiums and new rules on Jan. 1, 2027.

Frequently asked questions about EI in 2026

What is the maximum EI weekly benefit in 2026?

The maximum is $729 a week before tax, based on maximum insurable earnings of $68,900 for 2026.

What percentage of my pay does EI cover?

EI regular benefits pay 55 per cent of your average insurable weekly earnings, or up to 80 per cent for low-income families who qualify for the family supplement.

How many hours do I need for EI?

You need between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment in your qualifying period, depending on the unemployment rate in your EI region.

Is there a one-week waiting period for EI right now?

No. The waiting period is waived for all new claims that start between March 30, 2025, and Oct. 9, 2027.

How long does it take to get your first EI payment?

Service Canada says the first payment arrives about 28 days after you apply, if you are eligible and have sent all required information.

How long can I collect EI?

Regular benefits last 14 to 45 weeks depending on your region and hours. Some long-tenured workers can get up to 65 weeks under a temporary measure.

Is EI taxable in Canada?

Yes. Service Canada says EI benefits are taxable, no matter what type of benefits you receive.

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Sources: Service Canada, EI regular benefits: how much you could receive, eligibility, apply, after applying, while receiving EI, temporary measures and EI program characteristics by region; Canada Revenue Agency, EI premium rates and maximums.