Please be advised that this site is not affiliated with the Service Canada office.
It was created to provide general EI information only.

Employment Insurance Premium Rates for 2026

The Government of Canada has announced the Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates for 2026, providing continued support to workers and employers while keeping contributions near historically low levels.

EI Premium Rate for Employees

For 2026, the EI premium rate for employees is set at $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. This represents a one-cent decrease compared to the 2025 rate and remains well below the historical peak.

EI Premium Rate for Employers

Employers are required to contribute EI premiums at a rate of 1.4 times the employee rate. For 2026, this results in an employer rate of $2.28 per $100 of insurable earnings for each employee.

Quebec EI Premium Rates

Employees and employers in Quebec pay lower EI premiums because the province administers its own parental insurance program. For 2026:

  • Quebec employee rate: $1.30 per $100 of insurable earnings
  • Quebec employer rate: $1.82 per $100 of insurable earnings

Maximum Insurable Earnings and Premiums

The Maximum Insurable Earnings (MIE) for 2026 will increase to $68,900. Based on this amount:

  • Maximum annual EI premium for employees: $1,123.07
  • Maximum annual EI premium for employers: $1,572.30 per employee

EI Weekly Benefits for 2026

The increase in MIE also raises the maximum weekly EI benefit to $729 for 2026, providing additional income support for eligible workers.

How EI Premium Rates Are Set

EI premium rates are determined using a seven-year forecast designed to balance the EI Operating Account. The EI Senior Actuary uses economic projections such as unemployment levels and wage growth to calculate the required rate.

Key Takeaways

  • EI premium rates decrease slightly in 2026
  • Maximum insurable earnings increase significantly
  • Workers and employers should plan for higher maximum contributions

More Read: How to tell EI agent about your Financial Dire Need situation?

Suggest Reading: Canada’s FREE Dental Care Plan

Passport Canada Question: How to speak to Passport Canada agent quickly

Saving in the wrong registered account can quietly destroy a low-income worker’s retirement setup. Read our guide on TFSA vs RRSP for Low Income Earners: Avoid the GIS Retirement Trap to discover why RRSP withdrawals trigger a hidden 50% benefit clawback—and how shifting to a TFSA protects your Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits.

Stop wasting money on monthly bank fees and missing out on valuable rewards! Discover how switching to Canada’s top no-fee bank accounts and zero-annual-fee cash-back credit cards can help you keep more money in your pocket. Read our article Best No-Fee Bank Accounts & Cash-Back Cards in Canada (2026 Guide) at Unemployment Canada to start saving today.
 
Discover how to maximize your tax-free government relief with complete CRA details on the newly launched Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). Learn about updated 2026 eligibility rules, enhanced quarterly payout schedules, and maximum income limits. Read our article Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit 2026: Eligibility & Payment Schedule, at taxservicecanada.ca.
 
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.

* * * * Most viewed topics * * * *

FREE Canadian Dental Care Plan Coverage – Online Application*

2026 CPP and OAS payment dates

Check the status of my Canadian passport application