Official 2026 Rates
Uses current Service Canada rates: $729/week maximum
EI Benefits Calculator
Calculate Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and duration based on your earnings
EI Benefits Calculator
Calculate Your Employment Insurance Benefits
Estimate your weekly EI payments and benefit duration for 2026
Minimum 420-700 hours required (varies by region)
6% - Medium (Regional)Affects benefit duration
Press Enter or click Calculate to see your EI benefit estimate
Duration Estimate
Calculates benefit duration based on work history and regional unemployment
Province-Specific
Accurate EI premium rates for Saskatchewan (1.63%)
What is Employment Insurance (EI)?
Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program that provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed Canadians who have lost their job through no fault of their own, while they look for work or upgrade their skills. EI benefits replace 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum amount.
In 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $729, based on maximum insurable earnings of $68,900 per year. The duration of benefits ranges from 14 to 45 weeks, depending on your work history and the unemployment rate in your region. Both employees and employers contribute to EI through payroll deductions.
How to Use the EI Calculator
1
Enter Your Annual Salary
Input your gross annual salary before deductions. If you earn more than $68,900, only the first $68,900 is insurable for EI purposes.
2
Specify Weeks Worked
Enter how many weeks you worked in the last 52 weeks. You need between 420-700 hours of insurable employment to qualify, depending on your region's unemployment rate.
3
Set Regional Unemployment Rate
Adjust the slider to match your region's unemployment rate. Higher unemployment rates result in longer benefit periods. Check Service Canada for your region's current rate.
4
Review Your Results
See your weekly benefit amount, duration, total benefit, and income replacement rate. The calculator also shows your annual EI premium contribution.
Understanding EI Benefits in Saskatchewan
EI Premium Rate
Saskatchewan residents pay 1.63% of insurable earnings in EI premiums. This is the standard rate for all provinces except Quebec.
Benefit Duration
You can receive EI benefits for 14 to 45 weeks. The exact duration depends on your hours of insurable employment and the unemployment rate in your economic region.
Working While on EI
You can earn up to 90% of your weekly benefit amount without affecting your EI payments. Any earnings above that are deducted dollar-for-dollar from your benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
You must have worked 420-700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks, lost your job through no fault of your own, and be actively looking for work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much EI will I receive per week?
You'll receive 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week in 2026. Your actual benefit depends on your earnings in the last 52 weeks. For example, if you earned $50,000 annually, your weekly benefit would be approximately $529 per week.
How long can I receive EI benefits?
The duration ranges from 14 to 45 weeks, depending on two factors: the number of insurable hours you worked in the last 52 weeks, and the unemployment rate in your economic region. Higher unemployment rates and more hours worked result in longer benefit periods.
How many hours do I need to qualify for EI?
You need between 420 and 700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks. The exact requirement depends on your region's unemployment rate. Regions with higher unemployment require fewer hours to qualify. First-time claimants need 700 hours regardless of region.
Is there a waiting period before I receive benefits?
Yes, there is a one-week waiting period before your benefits begin. This means you won't receive payment for the first week of your claim. After that, you'll receive benefits every two weeks if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I work part-time while receiving EI?
Yes, you can work while receiving EI benefits. You can earn up to 90% of your weekly benefit amount without any deduction. For example, if your weekly benefit is $500, you can earn up to $450 without affecting your EI. Any earnings above that threshold are deducted dollar-for-dollar from your benefits.
Are EI benefits taxable?
Yes, EI benefits are considered taxable income. Service Canada automatically deducts federal income tax from your payments (approximately 10%). You'll receive a T4E slip at tax time showing your total EI benefits and tax deducted. You may owe additional tax or receive a refund depending on your total annual income.
What if I quit my job or was fired?
If you quit your job voluntarily without just cause or were fired for misconduct, you may not be eligible for EI benefits. However, if you quit for valid reasons (such as harassment, unsafe working conditions, or to follow a spouse) or were laid off due to shortage of work, you should still qualify.
How do I apply for EI benefits?
Apply online through your My Service Canada Account as soon as you stop working. You'll need your Social Insurance Number, Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer, and banking information for direct deposit. The application process typically takes 28 days, so apply immediately to avoid delays.
Official Sources & References
Province-Specific Calculations
This calculator uses Saskatchewan-specific tax rates, deductions, and credits to provide accurate results for your province.
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Compare Across Provinces
See how ei benefits calculator varies across different provinces: