Lost your job, going on maternity leave or off sick? Estimate your weekly EI payment before you apply.
How EI benefits are calculated
For regular, sickness, maternity and standard parental benefits, EI pays 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings. The maximum insurable earnings for 2026 are $68,900 per year, which works out to a maximum benefit of about $729 per week. Extended parental benefits pay 33%, up to about $437 per week, spread over more weeks.
Your average is based on your best-paid weeks in the last 52 weeks (between 14 and 22 weeks depending on the unemployment rate in your region).
How long can you receive EI?
| Benefit | Maximum weeks |
|---|---|
| Regular | 14 to 45 weeks, depending on hours worked and local unemployment |
| Sickness | Up to 26 weeks |
| Maternity | Up to 15 weeks |
| Standard parental | Up to 40 weeks shared (35 max for one parent) |
| Extended parental | Up to 69 weeks shared (61 max for one parent) |
Eligibility basics
- You lost your job through no fault of your own, or you are sick, pregnant or caring for a newborn.
- You worked enough insurable hours in the last 52 weeks (usually 420 to 700 for regular benefits, 600 for special benefits).
- There is generally a one-week waiting period before payments start.
FAQ
Are EI benefits taxable?
Yes. Tax is withheld from each payment and you get a T4E slip.
Quebec parents?
Quebec residents receive maternity and parental benefits from QPIP instead of EI, with different rates.