EI Premium Rates & Maximums 2026
In 2026, employees pay 1.63% of insurable earnings up to $68,900, for a maximum premium of $1,123.07. Employers pay 1.4x that amount ($1,572.30 max).
2026 EI Rate Details
| Maximum Insurable Earnings | $68,900 |
| Employee Premium Rate | 1.63% |
| Maximum Employee Premium | $1,123.07 |
| Employer Rate Multiplier | 1.4x |
| Employer Premium Rate | 2.282% |
| Maximum Employer Premium | $1,572.30 |
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $729 |
Sources
- Canada Revenue Agency, EI premium rates and maximums (Table "EI premium rates and maximums", 2026 federal row (maximum annual insurable earnings, rate, employee and employer maximums); table legend for Rate: "The employer's premium will be 1.4 times this amount."). Checked September 28, 2026.
- Canada Revenue Agency, T4127 Payroll Deductions Formulas, 122nd Edition, effective January 1, 2026 (Chapter 8, Table 8.7 Employment Insurance 2026 rates and amounts, row Canada except QC (employer contribution rate 0.02282)). Checked September 28, 2026.
- Employment and Social Development Canada, EI regular benefits: How much you could receive (Section "You could get up to 55% of your earnings": "As of January 1, 2026, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $68,900. This means that you can receive a maximum amount of $729 per week."). Checked September 28, 2026.
Employee Max
$1,123.07
Employer Max
$1,572.30
Weekly Benefit Cap
$729
What You'll Actually Pay
| Income | EI Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $652.00 | 1.63% of income |
| $60,000 | $978.00 | 1.63% of income |
| $69,000 | $1,123.07 | Capped at max |
| $100,000 | $1,123.07 | Capped at max |
Once your earnings exceed $68,900, no further EI premiums are deducted.
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How much is EI in 2026?
In 2026, employees pay 1.63% of insurable earnings up to $68,900, for a maximum annual premium of $1,123.07. Employers pay 1.4 times the employee rate (2.282%), with a maximum of $1,572.30.
What is the maximum EI insurable earnings for 2026?
The maximum insurable earnings for 2026 is $68,900. Once your earnings exceed this amount, no further EI premiums are deducted for the rest of the year.
What is the maximum weekly EI benefit for 2026?
The maximum weekly EI benefit for 2026 is $729. For most people, regular benefits are 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to this maximum.
Source
- Employment and Social Development Canada, EI regular benefits: How much you could receive (Section "You could get up to 55% of your earnings": "As of January 1, 2026, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $68,900. This means that you can receive a maximum amount of $729 per week."). Checked September 28, 2026.
Rates verified against CRA and ESDC sources on September 28, 2026. View methodology →