EI Benefits Calculator Canada 2026
Estimate how much Employment Insurance you receive when unemployed. Based on 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to the maximum ($729/week in 2026). Enter your earnings and benefit weeks for an instant estimate.
EI regular benefits provide temporary income when you lose your job. The amount is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, capped at the yearly maximum (e.g. $729/week in 2026). Eligibility requires 420–700+ insurable hours depending on regional unemployment. Benefits last 14–45 weeks. This EI benefits calculator Canada estimates your weekly benefit—apply at Service Canada for your actual entitlement.
Estimate your EI benefits
Enter your annual insurable earnings, benefit year, and benefit weeks. The calculator shows your estimated weekly benefit and total.
Use your total employment income (up to the maximum insurable amount). Typically your salary from the qualifying period.
Depends on regional unemployment & hours worked
Weekly benefit
$581
Total over 26 weeks: $15,106
Duration
26 weeks
Max weekly (2026)
$729
EI eligibility requires 420–700+ insurable hours (depending on regional unemployment). This calculator estimates the benefit amount only. Apply at Service Canada for your actual entitlement.
Take-home pay and deductions by province
For EI premiums (what you pay while working) and full take-home pay by province, use our Canada calculators:
How is EI calculated?
EI regular benefits = 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings. Your average is based on your best 14–22 weeks (varies by regional unemployment) in the qualifying period. The result is capped at the maximum weekly benefit (e.g. $729 in 2026). Use our EI benefits calculator Canada to estimate. For EI premiums deducted from your pay while working, use our CPP & EI Calculator Canada. For take-home pay by province, use our Canada Tax Calculator.
EI eligibility: hours and qualifying period
You need 420–700+ insurable hours in the qualifying period (usually the 52 weeks before your claim), depending on the regional unemployment rate where you live. Higher unemployment = fewer hours required. Benefits last 14–45 weeks, also based on region and hours. The calculator lets you adjust benefit weeks to see different scenarios. Apply at Service Canada for your exact entitlement.
EI and severance
If you receive severance pay, it may delay or reduce EI. Service Canada treats severance as earnings during the weeks it covers. Use our Severance Pay Calculator Canada to estimate your package, then plan when EI would start. For US unemployment, see our US Unemployment Benefits Calculator.
When to use an EI benefits calculator
Use an EI benefits calculator when you are laid off or planning for job loss to estimate your weekly EI and total benefits. It helps with budgeting, understanding how severance affects EI timing, and comparing to US unemployment if you have cross-border options. Pair with our Emergency Fund Calculator and Money Duration Calculator to plan your financial runway. EI is taxable—factor that into your planning.