EI Premium Rates 2027 Canada: $1.64 per $100 (2026 Rates Too)
The 2027 EI rate that starts on January 1, the 2026 rate still coming off your paycheque, the maximums, and how Quebec's rate is different.
By Ahmad Jamal · Published November 22, 2025 · 4 min read
EI premiums are another mandatory deduction that comes off every paycheque. The good news? EI rates are lower than CPP. The bad news? You still have to pay them. Here's exactly what you'll contribute in 2026, and what changes on January 1, 2027.
Quick Answer
2027 EI Premium Rates (from January 1, 2027)
The Canada Employment Insurance Commission set the 2027 rate on September 14, 2026. The rate rises by one cent per $100 and the earnings ceiling rises by $1,900, so the maximum premium goes up by $38.05 for employees.
| Component | Employee | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Premium rate | 1.64% | 2.30% |
| Maximum insurable earnings (MIE) | $70,800 | |
| Maximum annual premium | $1,161.12 | $1,625.57 |
| Quebec rate (QPIP province) | 1.29% (max $913.32) | 1.81% |
2026 EI Premium Rates (the rest of this year)
| Component | Employee | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Premium rate | 1.63% | 2.28% |
| Maximum insurable earnings (MIE) | $68,900 | |
| Maximum annual premium | $1,123.07 | $1,572.30 |
Source: Canada Revenue Agency: EI premium rates
Once you earn $68,900 in the year, your EI deductions stop. Below that, you'll pay right through December.
Quebec Has Different Rates
If you work in Quebec, your EI rate is lower because the province runs its own parental insurance program (QPIP).
Quebec 2026 EI Rates
Quebec residents pay QPIP instead of the federal parental-benefits portion of EI.
How to Calculate Your EI Premium
EI is simpler than CPP: there's no basic exemption to subtract first.
Example Calculations
Earning $50,000 a Year
Earning $80,000 a Year
EI Rates Over Time
| Year | Rate | MIE | Max Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 1.64% | $70,800 | $1,161.12 |
| 2026 | 1.63% | $68,900 | $1,123.07 |
| 2025 | 1.64% | $65,700 | $1,077.48 |
| 2024 | 1.66% | $63,200 | $1,049.12 |
| 2023 | 1.63% | $61,500 | $1,002.45 |
| 2022 | 1.58% | $60,300 | $952.74 |
Self-Employed and EI
Unlike CPP, self-employed individuals are NOT required to pay EI premiums. However, you can opt in to get access to EI special benefits (maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care).
Should you opt in?
Combined Payroll Deductions 2026
Here's what total mandatory deductions look like for different income levels:
| Annual Income | CPP | EI | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,172 | $652 | $2,824 |
| $60,000 | $3,362 | $978 | $4,340 |
| $80,000 | $4,446 | $1,123 | $5,569 |
| $100,000 | $4,646 | $1,123 | $5,769 |
Note: CPP includes CPP2 for incomes above the YMPE ($74,600). Doesn't include income tax.
The Bottom Line
EI premiums for 2026 are 1.63% of your income up to $68,900, with a maximum contribution of $1,123.07. From January 1, 2027 the rate is 1.64% on the first $70,800, a maximum of $1,161.12. Combined with CPP and CPP2, that's over $5,500 in mandatory deductions before you even get to income tax.
Understanding these deductions helps you budget accurately. Your gross salary and your net pay are two very different numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, investment, or legal advice. Contribution limits, tax rates, benefit amounts, and government program rules are approximate and change over time. Always verify current figures directly with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and consult a qualified financial advisor, accountant, or tax professional before making decisions about your money. Waypoint Budget does not provide professional financial advice, and using our content does not create an advisory relationship.