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Federal Program

Employment Insurance Regular Benefits

EI Regular

Federal income replacement for people who lose their job through no fault of their own and are available for and able to work. For most people the basic rate is 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2026 the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $68,900, which means a maximum of $729 per week. Benefits run from 14 weeks up to a maximum of 45 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in your region and the insurable hours you accumulated in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Apply as soon as you stop working: you can apply before your record of employment arrives, and delaying more than 4 weeks after your last day of work may cost you benefits. There is a 1-week waiting period you are not paid for, and Service Canada's service standard is a decision within 28 days. The weekly rate is your best weeks' insurable earnings divided by the required number of best weeks (14 to 22 depending on regional unemployment) and multiplied by 55%, to a maximum of $729 in 2026. If your net family income is $25,921 or less, you have children and you or your spouse receive the Canada Child Benefit, the family supplement can raise your rate to as much as 80% of average insurable earnings. Report any earnings every two weeks. If you become sick or injured while on EI regular benefits you can switch to EI sickness benefits for up to 26 weeks, and if you disagree with a decision you have 30 days to request a reconsideration.

Who May Qualify

• You were employed in insurable employment and paid EI premiums • You lost your job through no fault of your own • You have been without work and without pay for at least 7 consecutive days in the last 52 weeks • You have enough insurable hours in the last 52 weeks (or since your last claim) — the entry point is 420 hours in regions with the highest unemployment and rises with lower regional unemployment • You are ready, willing and capable of working each day and are actively looking for work

Required Documents

• Social Insurance Number (SIN). • Record of Employment (ROE) issued by your employer (most are submitted electronically by the employer). • Personal identification and banking information for direct deposit. • A detailed list of employers contacted for your job search (to be maintained for your records and potential review).

How to Apply

1. Apply online at canada.ca/ei as soon as you stop working; do not wait for your ROE to arrive. 2. Ensure your employer has submitted your ROE electronically, or submit paper copies if provided. 3. Complete the online application, which takes approximately 1 hour. 4. Submit bi-weekly reports to Service Canada to confirm your ongoing eligibility and job search activity. 5. Register for direct deposit to receive payments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to apply — every day you delay is a day you may not be paid • Not submitting biweekly reports — this stops your payments immediately • Not reporting part-time earnings — failure to report can result in repayment and penalties • Quitting your job voluntarily — this disqualifies you unless you can prove just cause

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National resources

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Equipment & Assistive TechCanada-wide

StepSafe Technologies Inc.

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HealthcareCanada-wide

Find A Doctor Canada

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Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.

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