Say a worker earned $60,000 a year. Average insurable earnings come to about $1,153.85 a week, and EI pays 55% of that, or $634.62 a week. Across 30 weeks the total is about $19,038. The 2026 maximum is $729 a week, which you reach at $68,900 of yearly earnings.
How the benefit is set
Regular EI benefits replace 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a cap. For 2026 the yearly insurable ceiling is $68,900 and the top weekly benefit is $729. Earn more than the ceiling and you still get the same maximum as someone at the ceiling, so extra pay above it adds nothing.
Which weeks count
A plain yearly average is not what Service Canada uses. It picks your highest-paid weeks from the last 52 weeks, somewhere between 14 and 22 of them, depending on the unemployment rate where you live. The calculator works from your yearly earnings to approximate that.
How long benefits last
Expect 14 to 45 weeks. Two things decide the length: the hours you worked in the last 52 weeks and the regional unemployment rate. More hours and higher local unemployment mean more weeks. Enter the number you expect in the second field to see the total.
Tax on your benefits
EI counts as taxable income. Tax is withheld from every payment, and the total goes on your return at filing time, along with any other income you earned during the year. That other income can push the real tax above what was withheld. Save some.
Apply early
Apply the day you stop working. Do it even while a record of employment is still on its way. Waiting costs weeks. You must show that you are ready, willing and able to work, and you report every two weeks.
What the estimate skips
The waiting period is out, along with the family supplement for low-income families and special benefits such as sickness. Severance or vacation pay can also delay the start of your benefits. To see what you may be owed, try the severance pay calculator.
Who qualifies
You need enough insured hours in the last 52 weeks. The threshold depends on your region’s unemployment rate and usually lands between 420 and 700 hours. The job must have ended through no fault of your own, such as a layoff when the employer cut staff or closed a location. Quit without a good reason, or get fired for misconduct? Regular benefits are normally off the table.
Biweekly reports and job search
Every two weeks you file a report that covers work, earnings and any time you were unavailable. Errors can bring repayment or penalties, so read each question twice before you submit. Save a record of your job search as well, because Service Canada may ask to see it. Part-time work while on claim is allowed, and a portion of what you earn is kept without cutting the benefit.
Toronto and Ontario workers
Contract and gig work is common in Toronto. It does not always produce insured hours. Ask your employer whether EI premiums came off your pay. Self-employed people usually have no coverage unless they registered for special benefits ahead of time.
Where to go next
Turn the weekly figure into a monthly plan with the monthly budget calculator. If a child is on the way, open the maternity and parental benefits calculator. The take-home pay calculator shows how it compares with regular pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much is EI per week in 2026?
55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $729.
What are the maximum insurable earnings in 2026?
$68,900 a year.
How many weeks of EI can I get?
Between 14 and 45 weeks, based on your hours and your region.
Is EI taxable?
Yes. Tax is withheld and you report it on your return.
When should I apply?
As soon as you stop working, without waiting for your record of employment.
Do severance payments affect EI?
They can delay when your benefits begin.
Sources and updates
Last reviewed: . Full disclaimer. How we build calculators. Editorial policy.
Estimate only. This calculator gives general information for planning. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and it is not affiliated with the City of Toronto, MPAC or the Canada Revenue Agency. Results depend on the numbers you enter and may differ from official amounts. Check official sources or a qualified professional before you decide.