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EI Calculator 2026: Regular, Maternity and Parental Benefits
Employment Insurance replaces part of your income after a job loss or during maternity and parental leave. In 2026 most benefits pay 55% of your average insurable earnings, up to $729 a week. Estimate your weekly amount here.
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- No sign-up
- Runs in your browser
- Data as of 2026 rates
Key facts
- Most EI benefits pay 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to $729 a week in 2026.
- Extended parental benefits pay 33%, up to $437 a week.
- The maximum comes from 2026 maximum insurable earnings of $68,900.
- Maternity and parental benefits need 600 insurable hours; regular benefits need 420 to 700, depending on your region.
- In Quebec, maternity and parental benefits come from QPIP, not EI.
How much is EI per week in 2026?
Regular, maternity and standard parental benefits pay 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to $729 a week. Extended parental benefits pay 33%, up to $437.
| Benefit | Maximum weeks | Rate | Weekly maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (job loss) | 14 to 45, depending on your hours and region | 55% | $729 |
| Maternity | 15 | 55% | $729 |
| Standard parental | 40 shared; one parent can take up to 35 | 55% | $729 |
| Extended parental | 69 shared; one parent can take up to 61 | 33% | $437 |
The weekly maximum comes from the 2026 maximum insurable earnings of $68,900. If you earn more than that, your benefit is the maximum. See EI and CPP maximums.
What would I get on a $52,000 salary?
About $550 a week before tax: $52,000 divided by 52 is $1,000 a week, and 55% of that is $550. Earnings above $68,900 a year are capped at the $729 maximum.
| Average weekly earnings ($52,000 ÷ 52) | $1,000 |
| Benefit rate | 55% |
| Weekly benefit before tax | $550 |
Service Canada uses your highest-earning weeks in the qualifying period (14 to 22 weeks, depending on your region), so your real amount can differ.
Who qualifies for EI?
For regular benefits you must lose your job through no fault of your own, have enough insurable hours and be ready and able to work. Maternity and parental benefits need 600 insurable hours and a drop of more than 40% in weekly earnings.
- Regular benefits: 420 to 700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate where you live.
- Work permit holders pay EI premiums and can qualify; availability for work and permit conditions matter.
- Read maternity and parental leave in Canada.
Should I choose standard or extended parental benefits?
The total is similar: extended spreads a smaller weekly amount over more weeks. Standard is 40 shared weeks at 55%; extended is 69 shared weeks at 33%. You cannot change your choice once payments start.
This calculator estimates EI using 2026 rates. Service Canada calculates your actual benefit from your best weeks of earnings. It is general information, not advice.
Questions
EI calculator FAQ
How much is EI per week in 2026?
55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to $729 a week before tax. Extended parental benefits pay 33%, up to $437.
Can I get EI if I quit?
Usually not, unless you had just cause, for example harassment, unsafe conditions or a move with your spouse. Being fired for misconduct also usually disqualifies you.
Is EI taxable?
Yes. EI benefits are taxable income, and tax is deducted from each payment.
