Employment Insurance can temporarily replace part of your income if you lose your job through no fault of your own and you are ready, willing and capable of working. This guide explains the usual rules for EI regular benefits in 2026. Service Canada decides every claim using your work record and circumstances.
Who may qualify for EI regular benefits?
You may qualify when you worked in insurable employment, lost your job through no fault of your own, have been without work and pay for at least seven consecutive days, and are actively looking for suitable work. A shortage of work, seasonal layoff or end of contract may qualify. Quitting or dismissal does not automatically decide the outcome; Service Canada reviews the facts.
How many hours do you need?
The usual entrance requirement is between 420 and 700 insurable hours during your qualifying period. The exact number depends on the unemployment rate in your EI economic region when the claim begins. Use the official EI benefits estimator or contact Service Canada instead of assuming one number applies everywhere.
How much does EI pay in 2026?
The basic benefit rate is normally 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings. For 2026, the maximum insurable earnings are $68,900 and the maximum weekly EI benefit is $729.
| Example weekly insurable earnings | Approximate 55% benefit |
|---|---|
| $700 | $385 |
| $1,000 | $550 |
| $1,400 | Limited by the $729 weekly maximum |
Your actual calculation can be affected by variable earnings, family supplement, deductions and money earned while receiving EI.
How long can you receive EI?
Regular benefits normally last 14 to 45 weeks, based on regional unemployment and your insurable hours. A temporary measure can provide additional weeks to some long-tenured workers whose claims start between June 15, 2025 and October 10, 2026. Do not assume the extension applies to you—check the decision on your claim.
Documents and information to prepare
- Social Insurance Number and mailing address
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Employment dates, employer names and addresses for the last 52 weeks
- Reason each job ended
- Gross earnings for your final week and other payments received
- Your Records of Employment, if issued on paper
Application steps
- Apply online through the official Government of Canada EI service as soon as you stop working.
- Complete the employment and earnings questions accurately.
- Submit paper ROEs if required. Electronic ROEs go directly to Service Canada.
- Save the confirmation number and access code.
- Complete biweekly reports on time and keep a written job-search record.
Waiting more than four weeks after your last day of work may cause you to lose benefits. You can apply even if an employer has not issued the ROE yet. See our Record of Employment guide for the next steps.
Common reasons a claim is delayed
- Missing or incorrect ROE information
- Unexplained quit, dismissal or leave
- Conflicting earnings and dates
- Not completing claimant reports
- Not proving availability for work
Related workplace money guides
- Ontario Minimum Wage 2026: New Rate, Overtime and Pay Calculator
- Overtime Pay in Ontario: Who Qualifies and How to Calculate It
- Ontario Statutory Holidays 2026: Dates, Holiday Pay and Working Rules
Official sources
Apply and confirm current rules on the Government of Canada EI regular benefits page. Review the official eligibility rules and benefit amount information.
This article provides general information, not legal or benefits advice. Service Canada makes the final decision on each application.
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