EI Payment Dates 2026: Official Schedule & Deposit Times

Waiting for an Employment Insurance (EI) payment can be a high-stress experience, especially when bills are due and your Benefit Payment Dates feel far away. In 2026, Service Canada has streamlined the digital reporting process, but the timing of your deposit still depends on two main factors: when you submit your report and which bank you use.

While Service Canada does not publish a "single" universal date for everyone (like the CCB), there is a predictable pattern that 95% of claimants follow. This deep dive provides the official 2026 reporting calendar, explains why your deposit might be late, and lists exact deposit times for TD, RBC, Scotiabank, and more.

The "Tuesday Rule" (2026 Cycle)

In 2026, the standard EI cycle follows a strict "2-Day Processing" window.

• Sunday: You submit your bi-weekly report via the Internet Reporting Service.
• Monday: Service Canada processes your data (unless it’s a Statutory Holiday).
• Tuesday: The funds are deposited into your account.

The "Holiday Trap": If Monday is a holiday (like Family Day or Victoria Day), the processing is pushed by 24 hours. Your Tuesday payment will not arrive until Wednesday morning.

Bank-Specific Deposit Times (The Insider List)

Based on 2026 data, here is exactly when your money will "hit" based on your bank:

• Tangerine / KOHO: Often the earliest. You may see the funds as early as Monday at 10:00 PM EST.
• TD Canada Trust: Typically lands between 3:30 AM and 5:00 AM on Tuesday.
• RBC (Royal Bank): Usually visible between 2:30 AM and 4:15 AM.
• CIBC / Simplii: Payments usually arrive by 4:30 AM.
• Scotiabank: Often the latest of the "Big Five," sometimes not appearing until 6:00 AM.

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Part 1: Official EI Reporting Calendar 2026

To receive payments, you must submit a report every 2 weeks. Missing a report is the #1 reason for a "stopped" claim.

Part 2: How Much Will You Get? (2026 Rates)

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission has set new maximums for 2026.

• The 2026 Maximum: You can receive 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week.
• The "Tax" Trap: Unlike some other benefits, EI is taxable income. Service Canada will deduct federal and provincial taxes from your payment before it reaches your bank. If you don't account for this, you may have a "Tax Bill" when you file next year.

Part 3: The "Waiting Period" Waiver (2026 Temporary Measure)

Under a specific 2026 measure, the traditional 1-week waiting period (which is like a deductible) is being waived for all new claims starting before April 11, 2026.

• What this means for you: Usually, you aren't paid for your first week of unemployment. In 2026, you get paid from Day 1, putting an extra $729 into your pocket when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I submit my report early?

A: No. The system will not allow you to file before the Friday of the second week in your reporting period. Filing on Friday afternoon is the best way to ensure your Monday processing is "first in line."

Q: My payment says "Processed" but it's not in my bank.

A: It can take up to 48 hours for your bank to reflect the deposit once Service Canada sends the file. If it’s Tuesday at 10:00 AM and you have nothing, check your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) for any "Decision Alerts."

Q: What if I lose my 4-digit Access Code?

A: You cannot file a report without it. You must call the EI Telephone Information Service at 1-800-206-7218 to have a new one mailed to you. They will not give it to you over the phone for security reasons.

Q: Does my severance pay delay my payments?

A: In 2026, a temporary measure means separation earnings (like vacation pay or severance) are not deducted from your benefits if your claim starts before April 11, 2026. This allows you to stack your severance and your EI payments.

Q: Can I work while on EI?

A: Yes. Use the "Working While on Claim" rule. You keep 50 cents of your benefits for every dollar you earn, up to 90% of your previous weekly earnings. Find flexible roles on BetterPayJobs.ca to supplement your income.

About the Author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian labour market researcher and digital entrepreneur specializing in government benefit data and cost-of-living support. As the founder of CanadaPaymentDates.ca and BetterPayJobs.ca, Jeff helps newcomers, students, and workers navigate the Canadian social safety net—from tracking CRA payment schedules to finding entry-level work.

Sources

1. Service Canada: EI Regular Benefits - Payment and Reporting 2026
2. CRA: EI Premium Rates and Maximums for 2026
3. Service Canada: Temporary EI Measures for Economic Support (2026)

Note

Official 2026 payment dates and benefit amounts are determined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provincial governments. While we strive to keep this information current, government policies and schedules are subject to change without notice. All data in this guide is verified against official CRA circulars at the time of publication and should be treated as an estimate. We recommend confirming the status of your personal file directly via CRA My Account or by calling the CRA benefit line at 1-800-387-1193.