Question 1

How much EI can I get in 2026?

Accepted Answer

EI pays 55% of your average insurable earnings, up to a maximum insurable earnings amount of $63,200 in 2026. The maximum weekly EI benefit is $668. The benefit period runs between 14 and 45 weeks, depending on your region and the unemployment rate in your area.

Question 2

How do I apply for EI in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Apply online through My Service Canada Account at canada.ca. You need your Social Insurance Number, employment history for the past 52 weeks, your Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer, and your banking information for direct deposit. Apply as soon as you stop working — delays can reduce your benefit period.

Question 3

How long does it take to get EI after applying?

Accepted Answer

There is a mandatory two-week waiting period before EI payments begin. After that, most claimants receive their first payment within 28 days of applying. Processing times can be longer during high-volume periods. You can track your claim through My Service Canada Account.

Question 4

Can I work while receiving EI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under the Working While on Claim rules. You can keep 50 cents of EI for every dollar you earn, up to 90% of your previous weekly insurable earnings. Any earnings above that threshold are deducted dollar for dollar. You must report all earnings each week you claim.

Question 5

What is maternity and parental EI?

Accepted Answer

Maternity benefits pay 55% of earnings for up to 15 weeks for the birth parent. Parental benefits can be taken by either parent: Standard parental (55% for up to 40 weeks, shared between parents) or Extended parental (33% for up to 69 weeks). Quebec residents use QPIP instead of federal EI for maternity and parental leave.

Question 6

Can self-employed people get EI?

Accepted Answer

Self-employed Canadians can opt into the EI program voluntarily to access special benefits (maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits). You must register at least 12 months before claiming. You cannot access regular EI benefits (job loss) as a self-employed person.

Benefit	Who it’s for	Duration
Regular	Job loss, layoff	14–45 weeks
Maternity	Birth parent	Up to 15 weeks
Parental (standard)	Either parent	Up to 40 weeks
Parental (extended)	Either parent	Up to 69 weeks
Sickness	Illness or injury	Up to 26 weeks
Caregiving	Caring for critically ill family member	Up to 35 weeks

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