The EI Ontario Calculator is a specialized tool designed for residents of Ontario, Canada, to estimate their potential Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. It helps individuals understand the financial support they may receive during periods of unemployment, sickness, or parental leave. By inputting personal earnings and work history, users can quickly determine their estimated weekly benefit amount, facilitating better financial planning in challenging times.
Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed Canadians who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, are sick, pregnant, caring for a newborn or newly adopted child, or caring for a critically ill or injured person. It is a federal program administered by Service Canada to support individuals during qualifying life events.
For 2026, EI benefits in Ontario are generally calculated at 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum insurable earnings amount. The maximum weekly benefit is adjusted annually, and to qualify, you need a certain number of insurable hours, which varies by region and the local unemployment rate. Specific rates and thresholds are set by the Canadian government.
To apply for EI in Ontario, you will need your Record of Employment (ROE) from all employers in the last 52 weeks, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), and your banking information for direct deposit. You may also need personal identification and detailed information about your last employment, including reasons for separation.
Yes, you can work while receiving EI benefits in Ontario, but your earnings will be deducted from your benefits. Under the Working While on Claim rule, you can keep 50 cents of your EI benefits for every dollar you earn, up to 90% of the weekly earnings used to calculate your EI benefit amount. Earnings above this threshold are deducted dollar for dollar.