New Canada Employment Insurance Rules In 2026

Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program that provides temporary income replacement to eligible workers who lose employment through no fault of their own. It also offers special benefits for situations like maternity leave or sickness. When people talk about changes to EI rules in 2026, they are usually referring to changes in premium rates, benefit amounts, duration of benefits, and waiting periods.

In 2026, there are significant changes in all these areas. The premium rate has been set for the year, with a slight decrease from the previous year. The maximum insurable earnings have increased, leading to higher annual premiums and weekly benefits. Additionally, temporary measures are in place until April 2026, waiving the waiting period for new claims and suspending the deduction of separation earnings.

Key changes for 2026 include the EI premium rate of $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings, up from $1.64 in 2025. The maximum insurable earnings have increased to $68,900 in 2026, up from $65,700 in 2025. The maximum weekly EI benefit is now $729, compared to $695 in 2025. The maximum annual employee EI premium is $1,123.07 in 2026, up from $1,077.48 in 2025.

Temporary measures that are still active in early 2026 include the waiver of the waiting period for claims starting between March 30, 2025, and April 11, 2026. Additionally, separation earnings will not be deducted from benefits for claims made during this period. Eligible long-tenured workers may also receive up to 20 extra weeks of regular benefits.

For employees outside Quebec, the EI premium rate is $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings, while employers pay 1.4 times the employee premium. Once insurable earnings reach $68,900, EI deductions stop for the year. Quebec has its own premium rates due to the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, with a rate of 1.30% for employees in 2026.

Overall, workers will see a slightly lower premium rate in 2026, but the higher earnings cap will impact their paychecks. In 2026, changes to the Canadian Employment Insurance (EI) program will impact both workers and claimants. The maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is set at $68,900, affecting the amount of EI premium workers will pay. The maximum weekly EI benefit has also increased to $729 as of January 1, 2026.

For extended parental benefits, the maximum weekly amount is now $437 for claims starting on or after December 28, 2025. Temporary measures introduced by the federal government are still active until April 2026. These measures include waiving the one-week waiting period for new EI claims between March 30, 2025, and April 11, 2026.

Additionally, earnings from separation are not deducted from benefits for claims made within the same time frame. Eligible long-tenured workers may receive 20 additional weeks of benefits if their claim starts between June 15, 2025, and April 11, 2026.

EI eligibility in 2026 varies across Canada based on regional unemployment rates. The number of hours required to qualify for benefits ranges from 420 to 700 hours. The qualifying period, which counts insurable hours and earnings, is crucial for determining eligibility.

The calculation of weekly EI payments is based on 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $729. The number of “best weeks” used in the benefit calculation can vary from 14 to 22, depending on the unemployment rate in the EI economic region. The 2026 employee EI premium rate outside Quebec is $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings, with a maximum insurable earnings cap of $68,900. This rate affects paycheque deductions and determines the maximum annual EI premium.

The best weeks system in EI can lead to higher rates for individuals with fluctuating earnings. Additionally, the family supplement feature can increase benefits for eligible low-income families.

The duration of regular EI benefits varies based on hours worked and regional unemployment rates, with a potential extension of up to 65 weeks through special measures.

Individuals can work while on EI, keeping 50 cents of benefits for every $1 earned, up to 90% of previous weekly earnings. Part-time work is encouraged to prevent full-time double-dipping.

EI also includes special benefits with different calculations, including sickness benefits, maternity, parental benefits, and work-sharing programs for employers.

Quebec has a separate program, QPIP, for maternity and parental benefits, resulting in a lower EI premium rate.

Employers can utilize the Work-Sharing Program to avoid layoffs during temporary downturns, with special measures in place from March 7, 2025, to March 6, 2026, due to potential tariffs.

It is essential to apply for EI promptly if facing a layoff, ensuring accurate documentation and understanding the rules around part-time work while on EI.

The 2026 EI rules involve annual resets and temporary measures, including a higher premium rate, increased maximum insurable earnings, and maximum weekly benefits. Temporary measures such as waived waiting periods and extensions for long-tenured workers are crucial for individuals seeking benefits.

Understanding the start date of a claim and regional EI rules based on unemployment rates can significantly impact benefit outcomes. In 2026, the maximum weekly benefit for Employment Insurance (EI) is $729, reflecting an increase due to the new maximum insurable earnings level. The waiting period is waived for all new EI claims starting between March 30, 2025, and April 11, 2026. This period includes the early months of 2026.

Under a temporary measure, separation earnings like severance pay, pay in lieu of notice, and vacation pay are not deducted from EI benefits for claims starting between March 30, 2025, and April 11, 2026. To qualify for regular benefits, individuals need between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment during the qualifying period, depending on the unemployment rate in their region.

Claimants can work while receiving EI, keeping 50 cents of benefits for every $1 earned up to 90% of previous weekly earnings. Benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar above that cap, and working a full week makes one ineligible for EI that week.

For eligibility, if someone quits their job, EI is usually only payable with just cause proven, meaning there was no reasonable alternative to leaving. If someone is fired, they may still qualify unless it was due to misconduct.

To receive regular EI benefits, individuals must be in Canada and available for work, with limited exceptions for specific situations like approved travel reasons. Leaving Canada may result in losing eligibility for those days.

For more information about specific topics like Debbie Cramer or Canada Child Benefit eligibility based on income, individuals can specify their queries. The changes to EI in 2026 will impact current recipients, with temporary measures waiving the one-week waiting period for new claims and certain separation payments not reducing benefits. The changes aim to provide quicker and more generous support for workers facing job loss.