The 2026 rules at a glance
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Benefit rate | 55% of average insurable weekly earnings |
| Maximum insurable earnings | $68,900 a year |
| Maximum weekly benefit | $729 |
| Weeks of benefits | 14 to 45, by hours and region |
| Best weeks used | 14 to 22, by regional unemployment rate |
| Waiting week | Waived for claims from March 30, 2025 to October 9, 2027 |
Weeks of benefits by hours and region
Service Canada’s table for the weeks of regular benefits payable. Sample rows are shown for a low, medium and high regional unemployment rate; the calculator uses the full table.
| Insurable hours | Rate ≤ 6% | Rate 10.1% to 11% | Rate > 16% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 420+ | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| 700+ | 14 | 24 | 36 |
| 1,050+ | 19 | 29 | 41 |
| 1,400+ | 24 | 34 | 45 |
| 1,750+ | 34 | 44 | 45 |
| 1,820+ | 36 | 45 | 45 |
Each row covers the 35-hour step that starts at the hours shown. Source: Service Canada table of October 19, 2026.
How the benefit is worked out
total insurable earnings in best weeks
÷ best weeks for your region (14 to 22)14 best weeks totalling $14,000 → $1,000 a week55% × average weekly earnings
up to $729 a week55% × $1,000 = $550 a week. Cap: 55% × $68,900 ÷ 52 ≈ $729look up hours and regional rate
in the Service Canada table1,400 hours, rate 5%: 24 weeks- The weekly amount stays the same for the whole claim.
- Between October 2026 and October 2027 new claims have no unpaid waiting week, under the temporary EI measures; this tool does not subtract one.
- The benefit is taxable. Federal and provincial tax is withheld.
Frequently asked questions
How much does EI pay?
55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to $729 a week in 2026. The maximum insurable earnings are $68,900 a year.
How many weeks can I get?
Between 14 and 45 weeks, depending on your insurable hours and the unemployment rate of your region when you apply. Long-tenured workers may get 20 more weeks on claims from June 15, 2025 to June 12, 2027.
Is there a waiting period?
Normally there is a 1-week unpaid waiting period. It is waived for new claims that start between March 30, 2025 and October 9, 2027.
Why do you ask for the best weeks?
EI averages your highest-earning weeks, from 14 to 22 depending on the region, not your whole year. If your pay varies, use the best-weeks option.
Is EI taxable?
Yes. Federal and provincial tax is deducted from each payment, and you receive a T4E slip.
Does this cover maternity or parental benefits?
No. Those are special benefits paid on different rules. See the parental leave planner.
Last updated
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Sources
How we check
Automated tests check the 55% rate and the $729 maximum (55% of $68,900 over 52 weeks gives $728.75, shown by Service Canada as $729), the best-weeks table by unemployment rate, and cells copied from the weeks-payable table, including its first, last and boundary rows.
They also check that the transcribed table has 41 rows of 12 columns, never exceeds 45 weeks and never decreases as hours or the unemployment rate rise.
Limits: we did not compare results with Service Canada’s own estimator. Rounding to the nearest dollar is our reading; the only official figure it must match is the $729 maximum. Family supplement and earnings during a claim are not modelled. The long-tenured and waiting-period measures follow the temporary-measures page and end in 2027.