Canada Employment Insurance (EI) 2026: Who Qualifies and How Much You Get
Canada's EI regular benefits pay 55% of your average weekly earnings, up to $729 a week in 2026, for 14 to 45 weeks. You need 420 to 700 insurable hours. Here is what newcomers should know.
CanadaIn brief
- EI regular benefits pay 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to $729 a week in 2026.
- You need 420 to 700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks, depending on unemployment in your region.
- Benefits last 14 to 45 weeks and are taxable.
- You must have lost your job through no fault of your own. Quitting without just cause or misconduct usually rules you out.
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Organization | Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) / Service Canada |
| Official source | Government of Canada – EI regular benefits eligibility and benefit amount ✓ canada.ca |
Employment Insurance (EI) gives temporary income to workers in Canada who lose their job. If you are moving to Canada for work, it is part of the safety net you pay into from your first paycheque. Here are the official rules for EI regular benefits in 2026.
How much EI pays
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| Benefit rate | 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings |
| Maximum weekly benefit | $729 |
| Maximum insurable earnings | $68,900 a year |
| Length of benefits | 14 to 45 weeks |
EI benefits are taxable, and federal and provincial taxes are deducted from your payments.
Who qualifies
You can get EI regular benefits if:
- you lost your job through no fault of your own, for example through a layoff or shortage of work;
- you have been without work and without pay for at least 7 days in a row in the last 52 weeks;
- you worked enough insurable hours in your qualifying period;
- you are ready, willing and able to work each day, and actively looking for work.
How many hours you need
You need 420 to 700 insurable hours, usually in the last 52 weeks. The number depends on the unemployment rate where you live:
| Regional unemployment rate | Hours needed |
|---|---|
| 6% and under | 700 |
| 6.1% to 7% | 665 |
| 7.1% to 8% | 630 |
| 8.1% to 9% | 595 |
| 9.1% to 10% | 560 |
| 10.1% to 11% | 525 |
| 11.1% to 12% | 490 |
| 12.1% to 13% | 455 |
| Over 13% | 420 |
When you may not qualify
- You quit without just cause.
- You were fired for misconduct.
- You are out of work because you are directly taking part in a labour dispute.
While you receive EI
- Submit your EI reports every 2 weeks, online or by phone. Missing them can mean losing benefits.
- Keep a written record of the employers you contact and the dates.
Tips for newcomers
- Apply as soon as you stop working, even if you are still waiting for paperwork from your employer.
- Keep your pay stubs to show your hours and earnings.
- Think about EI before you resign. Leaving without just cause usually means no benefits.
Related: Canada jobs report: unemployment at 6.5%.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours do I need to qualify for EI in Canada?
Between 420 and 700 insurable hours in your qualifying period, usually the last 52 weeks. The exact number depends on the unemployment rate in your EI economic region.
How much does EI pay in 2026?
55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $729 a week. Maximum insurable earnings for 2026 are $68,900 a year.
How long can I receive EI?
From 14 to 45 weeks, depending on your region's unemployment rate and how many insurable hours you worked.
Can I get EI if I quit my job?
Usually not. You may not be eligible if you left voluntarily without just cause or lost your job because of misconduct.
Apply only through the official source.
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