Question 1

How much does EI pay in Canada?

Accepted Answer

EI pays 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of approximately $695 per week (2026). The maximum insurable earnings are $65,700 per year. If you earned less than the maximum, your weekly benefit is 55% of your average weekly earnings based on your best weeks.

Question 2

How long can you collect EI?

Accepted Answer

EI regular benefits last between 14 and 45 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in your region and the number of insurable hours you accumulated. In regions with high unemployment (over 16%), you can receive benefits for up to 45 weeks. In regions with low unemployment (6% or less), the maximum is typically 36 weeks with 700+ hours.

Question 3

How many hours do you need to qualify for EI?

Accepted Answer

You need between 420 and 700 insurable hours in the 52 weeks before your claim (qualifying period), depending on the unemployment rate in your region. In high unemployment regions (over 13%), you need only 420 hours. In low unemployment regions (6% or less), you need 700 hours.

Question 4

What is the EI waiting period?

Accepted Answer

There is a mandatory one-week waiting period before EI benefits begin. During this week, you will not receive any payment. It functions like a deductible — the first week of unemployment is unpaid. Some employer severance packages cover this waiting period.

Question 5

Are EI benefits taxable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EI benefits are fully taxable income. Federal and provincial income tax is withheld at source. If your total income for the year (including EI) exceeds $79,000, you must repay 30% of the lesser of your net income in excess of $79,000 or your total EI benefits. This is the EI clawback.

Question 6

What is the best weeks calculation?

Accepted Answer

Your weekly benefit is based on your highest-paid weeks (best weeks) during the qualifying period. The number of best weeks used for calculation ranges from 14 to 22, depending on your regional unemployment rate. If the unemployment rate is high (over 13%), only your best 14 weeks are used, which increases your average.

Question 7

Can you work while on EI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the Working While on Claim rules, you can earn up to 50 cents for every dollar of EI benefits, or 90% of your previous weekly earnings (whichever is less) before your benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar. Any earnings must be reported to Service Canada. Working while on EI can extend your claim.

Question 8

What is EI sickness benefits?

Accepted Answer

EI sickness benefits provide up to 26 weeks of benefits at 55% of your insurable earnings (same rate as regular EI) if you cannot work due to illness, injury, or quarantine. You need a medical certificate and 600 insurable hours to qualify. Unlike regular EI, sickness benefits do not depend on regional unemployment rates.

Feature	2026 Amount
Benefit rate	55% of insurable earnings
Maximum insurable earnings	$65,700/year
Maximum weekly benefit	~$695/week
Waiting period	1 week
Minimum hours to qualify	420–700 (varies by region)
Benefit duration	14–45 weeks

Regional Unemployment Rate	Hours Required	Best Weeks Used	Max Duration
6% and under	700	22	36 weeks
6.1% – 7%	665	21	37 weeks
7.1% – 8%	630	20	38 weeks
8.1% – 9%	595	19	39 weeks
9.1% – 10%	560	18	40 weeks
10.1% – 11%	525	17	42 weeks
11.1% – 12%	490	16	43 weeks
12.1% – 13%	455	15	44 weeks
Over 13%	420	14	45 weeks

Your Earnings	EI Deduction	Net Impact
Up to 50% of weekly benefit	50 cents per dollar earned	Net gain
50% of benefit to 90% of previous earnings	50 cents per dollar earned	Net gain
Above 90% of previous weekly earnings	Dollar-for-dollar	No net gain

EI Calculator

How this EI calculator works

EI benefit rates and maximums (2026)

How regional unemployment affects your claim

Types of EI benefits

Regular benefits

Sickness benefits

Compassionate care benefits

Family caregiver benefits

EI clawback: high income repayment

Working while on EI

How to apply for EI