EI Calculator
Estimate your Employment Insurance (EI) weekly benefit amount and maximum weeks of coverage in Canada.
Did this tool work for you?
How to use this calculator
- 1
EI regular benefits replace 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum of $668.88/week (2024).
- 2
Maximum weeks of regular EI depend on your regional unemployment rate and the hours you've worked.
- 3
You need between 420 and 700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks to qualify — fewer hours required in high-unemployment regions.
- 4
There is a 2-week waiting period before EI benefits begin (the "waiting period" was 1 week, then changed back to 2 weeks in 2023).
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum EI benefit in 2024?
The maximum weekly EI benefit in 2024 is $668.88 (55% of the maximum insurable earnings of $63,200/year ÷ 52 weeks). To receive the maximum, your weekly earnings must be at or above $1,215.38. Most claimants receive less — the average EI regular benefit is approximately $580/week.
How long does EI take to start?
There is a mandatory 2-week waiting period before EI benefits begin (reinstated in September 2023 after a COVID-era waiver). After the waiting period, benefits are usually deposited within 28 days of applying. Apply immediately after your last day of work — delays in applying can delay when your benefit period starts.
What are the different types of EI benefits?
EI offers: Regular benefits (job loss, up to 45 weeks); Maternity (15 weeks at 55%); Standard Parental (40 weeks at 55%, must be used within 52 weeks); Extended Parental (69 weeks at 33%, must be used within 78 weeks); Sickness (26 weeks); Compassionate Care (26 weeks); Family Caregiver Adult (15 weeks); Family Caregiver Child (35 weeks). Parents can split parental leave.
Is EI taxable income in Canada?
Yes — EI benefits are considered taxable income. Federal and provincial income tax is withheld at source (like employment income). EI is reported on a T4E slip each year. High-income claimants who have earned more than $76,875 may be required to repay up to 30% of EI benefits received (the "clawback" — 30% of amounts above the threshold).
EI Calculator 2024 — Employment Insurance weekly benefit estimator
EI maternity and parental leave: key facts
Canadian parental leave is among the most generous in the world. Mothers can take 15 weeks maternity + 40 weeks standard parental = 55 weeks total at 55% of wages. Partners can share the 40 parental weeks. Extended parental gives 69 weeks total but at only 33% of wages. Quebec has its own QPIP (Quebec Parental Insurance Plan) with more generous rates and shorter waiting periods.
Learn more from an authoritative source:
InvestopediaCanada GST/HST Calculator
Calculate GST/HST on purchases across Canada — federal 5% GST or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) by province, plus Quebec QST.
Ontario Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your Ontario income tax — provincial rates 5.05%–13.16% combined with federal brackets for your total Canadian tax bill.
BC Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your British Columbia income tax — BC provincial rates 5.06%–20.5% combined with federal for your total tax bill.
Alberta Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your Alberta income tax — AB starts at 10% flat (most income) with no provincial sales tax, making it Canada's lowest-tax province.
Quebec Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your Quebec income tax — QC provincial rates 14%–25.75% plus federal, with QPP and QPIP replacing CPP and EI.
Canada Capital Gains Calculator
Calculate Canadian capital gains tax — 50% inclusion rate for most gains (2/3 above $250,000 for individuals after the 2024 budget proposal).
Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial, medical, legal, or technical advice. Read full disclaimer →