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EI (Employment Insurance) is a federal program that pays temporary income support if you lose your job, take parental or sick leave, or face other qualifying situations. You pay into it every paycheque.
How EI premiums work
Outside Quebec, you pay 1.63% of your insurable earnings, up to $68,900 for 2026 — a maximum of $1,123.07 a year. Once your year-to-date earnings pass that threshold, EI deductions stop for the rest of the calendar year.
What EI covers
- Regular benefits if you lose your job through no fault of your own
- Sickness benefits for medical leave
- Parental and maternity benefits (outside Quebec — Quebec uses QPIP instead)
- Compassionate care and family caregiver benefits
Quebec is different
Quebec residents pay a reduced EI rate (1.30%) because parental and maternity benefits are handled separately through QPIP. See our QPIP Explained guide.
See your EI deduction
+ Advanced options (overtime, bonus)
Independent estimate based on 2026 CRA federal/provincial payroll formulas, Revenu Québec figures, and published CPP/CPP2/QPP/QPP2, EI and QPIP rates. Not affiliated with the Canada Revenue Agency or the Government of Canada. Actual payroll may differ based on your employer’s specific deductions, benefits, TD1 claim amounts, and other factors. This tool does not constitute tax or financial advice.
Related guides
EI Calculator · QPIP Explained