How is the Benefit rate calculated?
The benefit rate is based on the average insured earnings in a 26-week period preceding and including the last paid working day. If you have worked less than the full 26 weeks in this period, the Commission may use a “divisor” between 14 and 20 based on the rate of unemployment in your region. The effect of the divisor may be that your average earnings will be less than what you normally may have earned in a week. Once the average earnings have been determined, Employment Insurance will then take 57% to establish your benefit rate. It is important to note that Employment Insurance will only insure up to $750 per week before taxes. Therefore, the maximum weekly benefit rate for claims is $423. If you have children, your net family income is $25,921 per year or less, and you receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit, you or your spouse may be eligible for an increased benefit rate called the Family Supplement.
