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EI Benefits Calculator

Estimate your weekly Employment Insurance benefit and how long you could receive it for 2025.

Inputs

CAD
weeks
2025: Maximum insurable earnings $65,700 · Maximum weekly benefit $695 · Standard rate 55% of average weekly insurable earnings. A two-week waiting period applies before benefits begin. This is an estimate; Service Canada calculates your actual benefit using your best 14–22 weeks of earnings depending on your region.

Estimated Weekly Benefit

Weekly EI payment
$0

How EI benefits work

Employment Insurance provides temporary income support to Canadians who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, become ill, take parental leave, or need to care for a seriously ill family member. The most common type — regular benefits — replaces 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to the maximum weekly benefit of $695 in 2025.

Your EI benefit amount is based on the average of your best weeks of earnings in the past 52 weeks (the number of best weeks ranges from 14–22 depending on your regional unemployment rate). Your entitlement duration depends on both your insurable hours and your region's unemployment rate — areas with higher unemployment provide longer benefit periods, up to 45 weeks.

A mandatory two-week waiting period (unpaid) applies at the start of a claim. You must be available for and actively seeking work while receiving regular EI benefits.

FAQ

What are the maximum EI benefits in 2025?
The maximum weekly EI benefit is $695 in 2025, based on maximum insurable earnings of $65,700 at the 55% benefit rate. You must have worked enough insurable hours to qualify (420–700 hours depending on your region).
How long can I receive EI?
Regular EI benefits range from 14 to 45 weeks depending on the number of insurable hours worked and the regional unemployment rate. Higher unemployment regions provide more weeks of benefits.
Is EI taxable income?
Yes — EI benefits are taxable. Federal and provincial income tax is withheld from each payment, though you may need to pay additional tax or receive a refund when you file your return.
What if I quit voluntarily?
If you quit without just cause or are fired for misconduct, you are generally not eligible for regular EI benefits. Just cause includes constructive dismissal, harassment, or accepting other work that did not materialize.