2026 Employment Insurance (EI) Maximum Insurable Earnings and Rates in Canada

Jan 10

Written By

The Government of Canada has confirmed higher Employment Insurance (EI) maximum insurable earnings and updated premium rates for 2026. These changes affect how much EI employers and employees pay on Canadian payroll starting January 1, 2026.

2026 EI maximum insurable earnings

As of January 1, 2026, the EI maximum insurable earnings (MIE) increase to $68,900, up from $65,700 in 2025. This is the maximum annual income on which EI premiums are calculated and is also used to determine the maximum EI benefit.

2026 EI MIE: $68,900
2025 EI MIE: $65,700
2024 EI MIE: $63,200

If an employee earns more than $68,900 in 2026, EI premiums are only deducted on the first $68,900 of insurable earnings.

2026 EI premium rates (employees and employers)

For workers outside Quebec, the 2026 EI premium rate has been reduced by one cent per $100 of insurable earnings compared to 2025.

Employee EI rate (2026): 1.63% (or $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings)
Employer EI rate (2026): 2.28% per $100 (1.4 × employee rate)
Maximum annual employee EI contribution (2026): $1,123.07
Maximum annual employer EI contribution (2026): $1,572.30 per employee

Quick EI comparison: 2024–2026

  
    
  
      Year
      Maximum insurable earnings
      Employee rate (outside QC)
      Max employee contribution
      Employer rate (outside QC)
      Max employer contribution
    

  
      2026
      $68,900
      1.63%
      $1,123.07
      2.28%
      $1,572.30
    

      2025
      $65,700
      1.64%
      $1,077.48
      2.296%
      $1,508.47
    

      2024
      $63,200
      1.66%
      $1,049.12
      2.324%
      $1,468.77
    



  

What this means for Canadian employers and employees

For employees, the higher maximum insurable earnings and updated EI rate mean slightly higher annual EI deductions for those earning at or above the MIE. In return, more of their income is insured if they need to claim EI benefits, and the maximum weekly EI benefit has also increased.

For employers, EI remains a key statutory payroll cost, with the employer share set at 1.4 times the employee rate. Accurate setup of EI rates and maximums in payroll systems is essential to stay compliant and avoid year-end adjustments.

Multiple jobs and EI contributions

EI is calculated separately for each employer.

Each employer withholds EI premiums on insurable earnings up to the annual maximum they pay.
If an employee works for more than one employer and their combined EI premiums exceed the annual maximum, the Canada Revenue Agency issues a refund when the employee files their personal income tax and benefit return.

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or payroll professional about how the 2026 EI maximum insurable earnings and premium rates apply to your specific situation.