The landscape of Employment Insurance (EI) in Canada has undergone significant adjustments for 2026. These updates, mandated by the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC), impact everything from weekly payout amounts to the total cost of premiums deducted from worker paycheques.
Understanding these changes is essential for employees planning for potential career transitions or leaves of absence this year.
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New Maximum Weekly Benefit Rates for 2026
One of the most notable changes for the current year is the increase in the Maximum Insurable Earnings (MIE). As of January 1, 2026, the MIE has risen to $68,900, up from $65,700 in the previous year. Because EI benefits are calculated based on a percentage of these earnings, the maximum weekly payout for claimants has increased accordingly.
- Regular, Sickness, and Maternity Benefits: The maximum weekly amount has increased to $729 per week.
- Extended Parental Benefits: For those opting for the extended leave period, the maximum weekly rate is now $437 per week.
These higher rates apply to new claims established on or after December 28, 2025. Workers earning at or above the new MIE threshold will see the full benefit of these increased weekly caps.
Updated Premium Rates and Payroll Deductions
While benefit amounts have risen, the actual premium rate—the percentage of income deducted from paycheques—has seen a slight decrease. This move is part of the government’s seven-year break-even forecast designed to balance the EI Operating Account.
Premium Rates Outside Quebec
For workers across most of Canada, the employee premium rate for 2026 is set at $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. This is a one-cent decrease from the 2025 rate of $1.64. Despite the lower rate, the higher MIE means the maximum annual contribution for an employee has risen to $1,123.07.
Premium Rates Inside Quebec
Due to the provincial administration of the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), workers in Quebec pay a lower federal EI premium rate. For 2026, the rate is $1.30 per $100 of insurable earnings. The maximum annual employee contribution for Quebec residents is $895.70.
Key Eligibility and Temporary Support Measures
Several temporary measures introduced to support workers during economic shifts remain in effect through the first half of 2026. These measures aim to provide faster and more substantial support to those who find themselves unemployed.
Extension of Temporary Measures to April 2026
The federal government has confirmed that several critical flexibilities will remain active for claims established on or before April 11, 2026:
- Waived Waiting Period: The standard one-week waiting period before benefits begin is currently waived, allowing eligible claimants to receive their first payment sooner.
- Treatment of Separation Earnings: Monies paid upon separation, such as severance pay or vacation pay, are temporarily not being allocated to weeks of unemployment. This prevents these payments from delaying the start of EI benefits.
- Regional Unemployment Adjustments: To make it easier to qualify for benefits, regional unemployment rates have been adjusted upward by one percentage point (up to a maximum of 13.1%), effectively lowering the number of hours required to enter the program.
Additional Support for Long-Tenured Workers
Workers who have paid into the EI system for years but rarely used it may be eligible for a significant extension. For claims starting between June 15, 2025, and April 11, 2026, long-tenured workers can receive up to 20 extra weeks of regular benefits, bringing the potential maximum duration to 65 weeks.
Modernizing the Work-Sharing Program
Recent regulatory amendments, specifically SOR/2026-18, have refined the EI Work-Sharing program. These changes ensure that financial supports, such as training grants provided to employees during Work-Sharing agreements, do not trigger a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their EI benefits. This allows workers to upgrade their skills while maintaining their income stability. Additionally, the maximum duration for Work-Sharing agreements remains extended to 76 weeks under current special measures.
FAQ: 2026 EI Updates
What is the maximum weekly EI benefit for 2026?
The maximum weekly benefit for regular, sickness, and maternity claims in 2026 is $729.
When does the waived one-week waiting period expire?
The temporary measure waiving the one-week EI waiting period is currently set to expire on April 11, 2026.
What are the 2026 EI premium rates for employees?
The 2026 premium rate is $1.63 per $100 of earnings for most of Canada and $1.30 per $100 for workers in Quebec.
Ben Lee is a content writer specializing in government schemes and public benefit programs, delivering clear and up-to-date information to help readers understand eligibility, payments, and policy changes.