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EI Benefits Calculator

2025
Your Details
$

Average of your best weeks' earnings

Hours worked in the last 52 weeks

Min hours: 595 | Max weeks: 38

Your EI Benefits
✓

You Likely Qualify for EI

You have 1200 hours (need 595 minimum).

Weekly EI Benefit

$550.00

Total Benefits

$20,900.00

Max Weeks

38

Waiting Period

1 week

Benefit vs Maximum
Benefit Calculation
Best weekly insurable earnings$1,000.00
Benefit rate55%
Calculated weekly benefit$550.00
Maximum weekly benefit$729.00
Your weekly benefit$550.00
Maximum weeks of benefits38 weeks
Waiting period1 week (unpaid)
Total potential EI benefits$20,900.00
Biweekly payment$1,100.00
Monthly (approximate)$2,381.50
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about EI regular benefits

The number of insurable hours required varies by region from 420 to 700 hours, depending on your local unemployment rate. In areas with high unemployment, you need fewer hours. You must have accumulated these hours within the qualifying period, which is typically the 52 weeks before your claim or since your last EI claim, whichever is shorter. The hours must be from insurable employment where EI premiums were deducted.
EI regular benefits are calculated at 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to the maximum insurable earnings ceiling. In 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $695. Your benefit rate is based on your best weeks of earnings during the qualifying period. The number of best weeks used depends on your regional unemployment rate (ranging from 14 to 22 best weeks).
For 2025, the maximum weekly EI benefit is $695. This is based on the maximum insurable earnings of $65,700 per year ($1,263.46 per week x 55% = $694.90, rounded to $695). Even if your earnings are higher than $65,700, your benefit will not exceed $695 per week.
There is a one-week unpaid waiting period before EI benefits begin, similar to an insurance deductible. This means your first payment will arrive approximately 28 days after filing your claim. You should file your claim as soon as you stop working, even if you have not yet received your Record of Employment (ROE), as any delay could result in lost benefits.
Yes, you can earn money while on EI. Under the Working While on Claim rules, you can keep 50 cents of your EI benefits for every dollar you earn, up to 90% of your previous weekly earnings. Any earnings above 90% are deducted dollar for dollar. You must report all earnings to Service Canada. If you do not report earnings, you may have to repay benefits and face penalties.
You must complete EI reports every two weeks (biweekly) through My Service Canada Account online or by phone. Each report covers a two-week period and asks about your job search activities, any earnings, and your availability for work. If you miss a report, your payment will be delayed. You must continue to actively search for work while receiving EI benefits.
Yes, EI benefits are taxable income. Federal and provincial/territorial taxes are deducted from your EI payments. You will receive a T4E tax slip at the end of the year showing the total amount of EI benefits received and taxes deducted. Additionally, if your net income exceeds $79,000, you may need to repay a portion of your benefits (EI clawback of 30% of the lesser of net income exceeding $79,000 or total EI received).

CRA-Aligned: This calculator uses official Service Canada EI rates for 2025. Actual benefit duration and amounts depend on your specific Record of Employment and regional unemployment rate. For a definitive assessment, apply through Service Canada.

More Information
Understanding EI Benefits in Canada

How Employment Insurance helps when you lose your job or need time off

What is Employment Insurance?

Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program that provides temporary income to Canadians who lose their job through no fault of their own, are sick, pregnant, caring for a newborn or adopted child, or caring for a seriously ill family member. EI is funded through premiums paid by both employees and employers.

How much does EI pay?

EI regular benefits pay 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $695 per week in 2025 (based on maximum insurable earnings of $65,700). So if you earned $1,000 per week, your EI benefit would be $550 per week. Low-income families with children may qualify for the Family Supplement, which can increase the rate up to 80%.

How many hours do you need to qualify?

The number of insurable hours needed depends on the unemployment rate in your region. In areas with high unemployment, you may need as few as 420 hours (about 12 weeks of full-time work). In areas with low unemployment, you may need up to 700 hours (about 20 weeks). You must have accumulated these hours in the 52 weeks before your claim.

How long can you receive EI benefits?

Regular EI benefits last between 14 and 45 weeks, depending on the hours you accumulated and the unemployment rate in your region. The more hours you worked and the higher the local unemployment rate, the more weeks you receive. Sickness benefits are capped at 26 weeks. Maternity and parental benefits have separate durations.

Do you have to pay tax on EI benefits?

Yes. EI benefits are taxable income. The government withholds federal tax from your payments, but depending on your total income for the year, you may owe more at tax time. If your net income exceeds $79,000, you must repay 30% of the lesser of your EI benefits or the amount of income above $79,000 — this is called the EI clawback.

Can you work while receiving EI?

Yes, through the Working While on Claim rules. You can earn up to 50 cents of EI for every dollar you earn, up to 90% of your previous weekly earnings. For example, if your EI benefit is $500 per week and you earn $200 from part-time work, your EI is reduced by $100, so you receive $400 in EI plus $200 in wages for $600 total.

What is the EI waiting period?

There is a one-week unpaid waiting period at the start of every EI claim. This works like a deductible on insurance — you will not receive benefits for the first week. After that, payments are made every two weeks through direct deposit. You must complete biweekly reports to continue receiving benefits.

CRA-Aligned: Based on 2025 CRA rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified accountant or tax professional.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current CRA rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant before making financial decisions. Read our terms

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