CPP and EI for 2026

Another year, another yearly chestnut! CPP and EI Max return! No, I don’t celebrate in January when they return either, I’m not a psycho.

The EI rate max of 2026 is a little higher, and CPP has jumped this year, too. Don’t forget CPP2! Was it following the inflation rate? Not the current rate of inflation.

There have been many debates over whether CPP and EI are taxes. CPP is the Canada Pension Plan, and EI is Employment Insurance, so I’m not sure what they are getting at. It sounds like a rallying cry for those who feel their rights are being invaded.

Interest in this topic continues year-round. I have never collected either in my life, but I might collect CPP sometime in the near future, but not until I am 70, would be my guess, should I make it that far.

Will 2026 be a better year? I will no longer comment on this area, as my prognostication skills are subpar. This past year has been quite significant. I do not wish to guess what 2026 might bring.

When we start 2026 (a new year), all who receive pay cheques begin paying CPP and EI premiums again. The Japanese term is Salaryman. Depending on how much you make, this might be a short-term issue or a year-long pain.

If you pay CPP and EI premiums all year, don’t worry; this is not for you. Read on for those who have an end date for their CPP premiums.

CPP and EI Max 2026

EI this year is again a bit lower:

• The maximum insurable earnings for 2026 is $68,900, up from $65,700 in 2025. This is the EI maximum insured income for the year. If you earn more than this and claim EI, your benefits will be based on this amount.
• The rates are changed from last year:
  • Workers rate (self-employed folks should research further, or if you live in Quebec) $1.63 per $100 earned.
  • Maximum premium paid $1,123.07. Once you reach this point, no more EI will be deducted from your pay

CPP rates rose over last year. Max earnings did go up, as well.

• Maximum Pensionable Earnings: $74,600 (up from $71,300 in 2025)
• Employee Contribution Rate: 5.95 % (no increase this year)
• The maximum contribution for year: $4,230.45 ($8,460.90 if self-employed)

CPP2

• The ceiling for CPP2 for this year is $85,000. You may complain but this will be a good thing for you when you get older.
• If you earn more than the first ceiling of $74,600, you will make 4% payments, up to a maximum of $416 (self-employed $832). These payments apply up to the second ceiling of $85,000.

When do I stop Paying?

A simple table of when you might stop paying EI and CPP. Find your estimated gross income in column 3; the first column should estimate when you stop paying.

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Past CPP & EI

Yes, it is a topic I write about, as it is essential to me. Here are a few from the past years to compare and contrast (hint see how much CPP has gone up).

• CPP and EI for 2026 they went up again (don't forget CPP2!)
• CPP, CPP2 and EI for 2025 so much fun in a new year
• Only EI went up in 2024 but they are still taking it out too
• With Inflation roaring CPP and EI for 2023 went up
• For 2022 the CPP and EI Limits went up again
• The 2021 limits for CPP and EI were
• CPP and EI for 2020
• CPP and EI for 2019
• Merry New Year, CPP, EI and #MoneyTalk (2017)
• Gosh Darn it! CPP & EI Again!!! (2014)
• Fun with Numbers for 2013 (CPP and EI)
• Gosh Darn CPP and EI! (2010)
• Fun with Numbers with CPP and EI (2007)

Reference:

These are the sites I gleaned the information from

• Employment Insurance premium rate
• CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptions

FAQ Answers for CPP, CPP2 & EI Maximums for 2026