How to use the EI benefits calculator
- 1 Enter your average weekly insurable earnings from your best weeks.
- 2 Choose the benefit type.
- 3 Enter the number of weeks you expect to receive.
- 4 Read the weekly and total benefit.
Worked example
Average weekly insurable earnings of $1,200 on regular benefits for 20 weeks. 55% of $1,200 is $660 a week, which is under the $729 maximum. Over 20 weeks that is about $13,200 before tax, after a one-week waiting period.
Applying for EI
- Apply quickly: apply within four weeks of your last day of work, even if you have not received your Record of Employment yet.
- Hours needed: most regular claims need 420 to 700 insured hours in the last 52 weeks, depending on unemployment in your region.
- Waiting period: the first week of a claim is usually unpaid.
- Tax: EI benefits are taxable income, and high earners may have to repay part.
See what you paid in with the CPP and EI Calculator. New parent? Add the Canada Child Benefit to your budget.
Features
2026 maximum
$729 a week for regular, sickness, maternity and standard parental benefits.
Extended parental
33% up to $437 a week over up to 61 weeks.
Totals
Weekly, biweekly and total benefit.
When to use it
Job loss
Plan your budget after a layoff. Add the Canada Child Benefit Calculator amount.
Parental leave
Compare standard and extended parental benefits. See your premiums with the CPP and EI Calculator.
Sick leave
Estimate sickness benefits. Laid off? Check the Severance Pay Calculator.
Seasonal work
Plan the off season. Back to work? Use the Take-Home Pay Calculator.
Related Pay and Salary tasks
Frequently asked questions
How is EI calculated?
Most benefits pay 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, based on your best weeks in the qualifying period, up to a maximum.
What is the maximum EI benefit in 2026?
$729 a week, because maximum insurable earnings are $68,900 a year.
How many weeks can I get?
Regular benefits run 14 to 45 weeks depending on hours worked and the local unemployment rate. Sickness benefits run up to 26 weeks.
What is the waiting period?
Usually one unpaid week before benefits start.
Is EI taxable?
Yes. Tax is withheld from payments, and high earners may repay part through the benefit repayment.
Standard or extended parental?
Standard pays 55% for up to 40 weeks shared (35 for one parent). Extended pays 33% for up to 69 weeks shared (61 for one parent).
Can I work while on EI?
Yes. You keep 50 cents of benefits for every dollar earned, up to 90% of your previous weekly earnings.
How many hours do I need to qualify?
Usually between 420 and 700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in your region. Sickness and parental benefits need 600 hours.
How soon should I apply?
Apply as soon as you stop working, even if you have not received your record of employment. Waiting more than four weeks can mean losing benefits.
Does severance delay EI?
Severance and vacation pay paid on separation are allocated to the weeks after your job ends, which can delay when benefits start.
What is the best weeks rule?
EI uses your highest-earning weeks in the qualifying period, between 14 and 22 depending on your region, so a few low-paid weeks do not pull down your benefit.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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