Maximizing EI Benefits 2026: Complete Guide for Ontario Workers

Question: How are EI benefits calculated in 2026?

Answer: EI regular benefits pay 55% of your average insurable earnings up to the 2026 maximum of $68,900 annually, providing maximum weekly benefits of $728. Benefits are calculated using your best 14-22 weeks of earnings (depending on regional unemployment rate) in the last 52 weeks. You need 420-700 insurable hours to qualify, with higher unemployment regions requiring fewer hours. Benefits last 14-45 weeks based on hours worked and regional unemployment. The Toronto region typically requires 595 hours for 45 weeks of benefits. Special benefits (maternity, parental) have different calculations and durations.

Question: Can I work while receiving EI benefits?

Answer: Yes, you can work while on EI using the Working While on Claim provision, keeping 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar earned, up to 90% of previous weekly earnings in 2026. Earnings above this threshold are deducted dollar-for-dollar from benefits. You must report all earnings in the week you earn them, not when paid. Self-employment income, including gig work, must be reported. Training and schooling are allowed if approved by Service Canada. Working helps maintain skills, extend benefit duration, and can lead to full-time employment without penalty for ending your claim early.

Question: What disqualifies you from receiving EI benefits?

Answer: EI disqualification occurs for voluntarily leaving without just cause, misconduct leading to dismissal, refusing suitable employment, not being available for work, or providing false information in 2026. Just cause includes harassment, dangerous conditions, significant pay reduction (20%+), or employer breach of contract. Misconduct means willful actions incompatible with employment, not poor performance. You must be actively seeking work, document job search efforts, and be available for work Monday-Friday. Severance payments may delay but not disqualify benefits. Penalties for false claims include repayment, fines up to $5,000, and prosecution.

Question: How does severance pay affect EI benefits in Ontario?

Answer: Severance pay affects EI depending on how it's structured. Lump-sum severance (retiring allowance) does NOT delay EI benefits and can be transferred tax-free to an RRSP. Salary continuation or pay in lieu of notice IS allocated week-by-week, delaying EI by that many weeks. Vacation pay is always allocated. For example: if you receive 8 weeks pay in lieu + 4 weeks vacation, EI is delayed 12 weeks. Strategy: negotiate lump-sum retiring allowance instead of salary continuation to start EI immediately while investing severance for maximum benefit.

Question: What happens if I refuse a job while on EI?

Answer: Refusing 'suitable employment' while on EI can disqualify you from benefits. Suitable employment considers: wages (initially can refuse 20% pay cuts, dropping to 10% after 6 weeks), location (reasonable commute for your area), working conditions, hours, and whether the job matches your experience. You CAN refuse: jobs with wages below minimum or significantly below market, unsafe conditions, jobs conflicting with religious beliefs, or excessive commutes (90+ minutes). Document all refused offers with your reasoning. If cut off, appeal within 30 days to the Social Security Tribunal.

Question: Can I travel while receiving EI benefits?

Answer: Limited travel is allowed while on EI, but you must remain available for work. Short trips (7 days or less) within Canada are generally fine if you can return for interviews within 48 hours. Leaving Canada typically stops benefits immediately—you must report departure. Exceptions: medical treatment abroad, job interviews, accompanying terminally ill family. Always notify Service Canada before travelling. If audited and found unavailable, you must repay benefits received during that period. Many claimants lose benefits by posting vacation photos on social media.

Question: How do I appeal an EI decision in Ontario?

Answer: To appeal an EI decision in Ontario: First, request reconsideration from Service Canada within 30 days of the decision. Include new evidence supporting your claim. If denied, appeal to the Social Security Tribunal General Division within 30 days (online at sst-tss.gc.ca). Hearings are by phone, video, or written submission. You can represent yourself or hire a paralegal. The tribunal can overturn Service Canada decisions if they misinterpreted facts or law. Success rate is approximately 40% for well-prepared appeals. If unsuccessful, further appeal to the Appeal Division is possible within 30 days.

Question: How are EI benefits calculated in 2026?

Answer: EI regular benefits pay 55% of your average insurable earnings up to the 2026 maximum of $68,900 annually, providing maximum weekly benefits of $728. Benefits are calculated using your best 14-22 weeks of earnings (depending on regional unemployment rate) in the last 52 weeks. You need 420-700 insurable hours to qualify, with higher unemployment regions requiring fewer hours. Benefits last 14-45 weeks based on hours worked and regional unemployment. The Toronto region typically requires 595 hours for 45 weeks of benefits. Special benefits (maternity, parental) have different calculations and durations.

Question: Can I work while receiving EI benefits?

Answer: Yes, you can work while on EI using the Working While on Claim provision, keeping 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar earned, up to 90% of previous weekly earnings in 2026. Earnings above this threshold are deducted dollar-for-dollar from benefits. You must report all earnings in the week you earn them, not when paid. Self-employment income, including gig work, must be reported. Training and schooling are allowed if approved by Service Canada. Working helps maintain skills, extend benefit duration, and can lead to full-time employment without penalty for ending your claim early.

Question: What disqualifies you from receiving EI benefits?

Answer: EI disqualification occurs for voluntarily leaving without just cause, misconduct leading to dismissal, refusing suitable employment, not being available for work, or providing false information in 2026. Just cause includes harassment, dangerous conditions, significant pay reduction (20%+), or employer breach of contract. Misconduct means willful actions incompatible with employment, not poor performance. You must be actively seeking work, document job search efforts, and be available for work Monday-Friday. Severance payments may delay but not disqualify benefits. Penalties for false claims include repayment, fines up to $5,000, and prosecution.

Question: How does severance pay affect EI benefits in Ontario?

Answer: Severance pay affects EI depending on how it's structured. Lump-sum severance (retiring allowance) does NOT delay EI benefits and can be transferred tax-free to an RRSP. Salary continuation or pay in lieu of notice IS allocated week-by-week, delaying EI by that many weeks. Vacation pay is always allocated. For example: if you receive 8 weeks pay in lieu + 4 weeks vacation, EI is delayed 12 weeks. Strategy: negotiate lump-sum retiring allowance instead of salary continuation to start EI immediately while investing severance for maximum benefit.

Question: What happens if I refuse a job while on EI?

Answer: Refusing 'suitable employment' while on EI can disqualify you from benefits. Suitable employment considers: wages (initially can refuse 20% pay cuts, dropping to 10% after 6 weeks), location (reasonable commute for your area), working conditions, hours, and whether the job matches your experience. You CAN refuse: jobs with wages below minimum or significantly below market, unsafe conditions, jobs conflicting with religious beliefs, or excessive commutes (90+ minutes). Document all refused offers with your reasoning. If cut off, appeal within 30 days to the Social Security Tribunal.

Question: Can I travel while receiving EI benefits?

Answer: Limited travel is allowed while on EI, but you must remain available for work. Short trips (7 days or less) within Canada are generally fine if you can return for interviews within 48 hours. Leaving Canada typically stops benefits immediately—you must report departure. Exceptions: medical treatment abroad, job interviews, accompanying terminally ill family. Always notify Service Canada before travelling. If audited and found unavailable, you must repay benefits received during that period. Many claimants lose benefits by posting vacation photos on social media.

Question: How do I appeal an EI decision in Ontario?

Answer: To appeal an EI decision in Ontario: First, request reconsideration from Service Canada within 30 days of the decision. Include new evidence supporting your claim. If denied, appeal to the Social Security Tribunal General Division within 30 days (online at sst-tss.gc.ca). Hearings are by phone, video, or written submission. You can represent yourself or hire a paralegal. The tribunal can overturn Service Canada decisions if they misinterpreted facts or law. Success rate is approximately 40% for well-prepared appeals. If unsuccessful, further appeal to the Appeal Division is possible within 30 days.