EI for the Self-Employed -- Opt-In
EI for the Self-Employed -- Opt-In
Self-employed Canadians can opt into EI special benefits (sickness, maternity/parental, caregiving). The premium rate, the maximum, and the Quebec difference.
EI self-employed premium (2026)
| Rate (most of Canada) | $1.63 per $100 of earnings (max $1,123.07) |
| Rate (Quebec) | $1.30 per $100 (max $895.70) -- QPIP is separate |
How the opt-in works
- Registration is for SPECIAL benefits only (not regular unemployment benefits)
- Quebec self-employed are covered for maternity/parental by QPIP automatically -- no opt-in needed for those
- Outside Quebec, you must opt in ahead of time before you can claim
As of 2026 -- not financial advice. Quebec's QPIP covers maternity/parental separately from EI. There is a waiting/qualifying period after you opt in. Confirm at canada.ca (Service Canada) and, for Quebec, rqap.gouv.qc.ca.
Sources: CRA / Service Canada -- EI special benefits for self-employed · QPIP (Quebec)
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