Ontario · EI economic region 22
EI in Ottawa
For claims that start November 8, 2026 – December 5, 2026. The rate in force when your claim starts is locked for the whole claim.
Unemployment rate7.7%
Hours needed630
Best weeks averaged20
Weeks of EI17–40
Weeks of EI by hours worked in Ottawa
| Insurable hours (last 52 weeks) | Weeks of benefits |
|---|---|
| 630 or more | 17 |
| 700 or more | 18 |
| 770 or more | 19 |
| 840 or more | 20 |
| 910 or more | 21 |
| 980 or more | 22 |
| 1,050 or more | 23 |
| 1,120 or more | 24 |
| 1,190 or more | 25 |
| 1,260 or more | 26 |
| 1,330 or more | 27 |
| 1,400 or more | 28 |
| 1,435 or more | 29 |
| 1,470 or more | 30 |
| 1,505 or more | 31 |
| 1,540 or more | 32 |
| 1,575 or more | 33 |
| 1,610 or more | 34 |
| 1,645 or more | 35 |
| 1,680 or more | 36 |
| 1,715 or more | 37 |
| 1,750 or more | 38 |
| 1,785 or more | 39 |
| 1,820+ | 40 |
From Schedule I of the Employment Insurance Act, column for a regional rate of 7.7%.
What this means for you
- You need at least 630 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks for regular benefits (600 for sickness, maternity and parental benefits anywhere in Canada).
- Your weekly amount is 55% of the average of your best 20 weeks of pay, up to $729 a week in 2026.
- Apply within 4 weeks of your last day of work, even before your ROE arrives.