Please be advised that this site is not affiliated with the Service Canada office.
It was created to provide general EI information only.
How many weeks of EI benefits will I receive?
How many hours do I need to qualify EI?
Your EI benefit weeks are calculated based on
- The number of insurable hours you have accumulated in the past 52 weeks since your last day worked; and
- The unemployment rate of the economic region for which you filed your application. You may find this information on the Government of Canada website, click here.
There are several rules to calculate your benefit entitlement weeks. If you are applying for special benefits, e.g. sickness, maternity, parental, etc, you are automatically qualified for the maximum special benefit weeks and you only require to show a cumulative 600 hours and over, in the past 52 weeks, since the day you stopped working.
Each EI claim holds an one year expiry. It is also called the “end of your claim”. However, please do not confuse the relationship between the EI expiry vs your qualified benefit weeks. In other word, it means that you are qualified for X amount of EI benefit weeks within the one year expiry.
(Note: Waiting period has been reduced from 2 weeks to 1 week)
You may use the chart below to find out your entitlement weeks based on the total cumulative hours on your ROE(s) from the past 52 weeks.
The chart below gives you an estimation of your EI weekly benefits based on a full-time earning paid equally all the way until the last week of work.
The minimum weeks you could receive currently is 14 weeks. (Scroll up/down and left/right in the box to the content)
To find out the unemployment rate of your current resident, please consult Service Canada’s “Information on Employment Insurance (EI) Economic Regions” page, click here.
The table below show the number of weeks of regular EI benefits payable (year 2023)
If you want to learn more about the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when payments are issued, visit Tax Service Canada’s Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Guide. This comprehensive resource explains the eligibility requirements, payment amounts for individuals and families, application details for new residents, and important CRA payment dates. With the CGEB replacing the GST/HST Credit in July 2026 and providing increased support to millions of Canadians, staying informed can help ensure you receive every benefit you are entitled to.
If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), now is the time to ensure your benefits continue without interruption. GIS eligibility is reviewed annually, and failing to file your income tax return or complete any required renewal steps could result in your payments being reduced or stopped starting in July 2026. Service Canada uses your most recent income information to determine your eligibility and payment amount for the 2026–2027 benefit year. To avoid delays or disruptions to your monthly GIS payments, review the renewal requirements today. Visit the GIS Renewal page for a complete guide and important updates.
Never miss an Old Age Security payment by bookmarking our dedicated 2026 OAS Payment Schedule page today. Managing your retirement budget is much easier when you know exactly when your funds will arrive in your account. By saving this link, you’ll have instant, one-click access to the most up-to-date distribution dates and any schedule adjustments throughout the year. Stay organized and gain peace of mind by keeping this essential resource right at your fingertips. Bookmark us now and ensure you’re always prepared for your upcoming monthly payments!
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