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EI on a $70,000 Salary (2026)
Earning $70,000 a year? Your EI regular benefit would be about $729 a week before tax. See your own estimate.
Your pay before you stopped working
Your EI regular benefit 2026
$729.00
a week before tax · About $1,458 every 2 weeks
You're at the maximum of $729 a week.
How it works
- ✔EI pays 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to $729 a week in 2026.
- ✔Your average uses your best 14 to 22 weeks of the last 52, depending on the unemployment rate where you live.
- ✔You usually need 420 to 700 hours of insurable work in the last 52 weeks, and to have lost your job through no fault of your own.
- ✔Benefits last 14 to 45 weeks. Low-income families may get a higher rate (Family Supplement).
- ✔A temporary measure may waive the one-week waiting period for claims starting between 11 October 2026 and 9 October 2027.
- ✔Apply online as soon as you stop working, even if you haven't got your Record of Employment yet. EI is taxable.
Estimate of the basic weekly rate only. Service Canada decides your actual amount and weeks. Rules last checked: October 2026. 🔒
✅ Rules last checked:
📚 Official sources: Canada.ca EI
We build every tool from the official rules and re-check them when they change. Always confirm with the official source before you rely on a result.
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Questions people ask
What is the maximum EI payment in 2026?+
$729 a week before tax (55% of the maximum insurable earnings of $68,900 a year).
How long does EI last?+
Between 14 and 45 weeks, depending on how many insurable hours you worked and the unemployment rate in your region.
Is there a waiting period?+
Normally one week without pay. A temporary measure may waive it for claims starting between 11 October 2026 and 9 October 2027.
Can I get EI if I quit?+
Usually not, unless you had just cause (for example harassment, unsafe work or unpaid wages). If you were fired for misconduct, you usually can't get EI.