The 2026 insurance numbers every Canadian should know

Once a year the government backstops that sit under your insurance get refreshed. Here are the 2026 figures worth knowing, each sourced and current as of July 2026.

If you can't work — CPP Disability (2026)

A basic amount of $610.46/month, an average for new beneficiaries of $1,234.68/month, a maximum of $1,741.20/month, and a children's benefit of $307.81/month. It's a floor, it requires enough contributions and a severe, prolonged disability, and most group LTD plans offset it. (Service Canada)

Short-term illness — EI sickness (2026)

55% of insurable earnings up to maximum insurable earnings of $68,900, for a maximum of $729/week, up to 26 weeks. A bridge, not a plan. (Service Canada / ESDC)

If someone dies — CPP death & survivor

A one-time $2,500 death benefit, plus a survivor pension worth 60% of the deceased's retirement pension at 65+, or a flat amount plus 37.5% under 65. Modest against a household's real needs. (Service Canada)

If your life insurer fails — Assuris

Your coverage transfers to a solvent insurer with a guarantee of at least the greater of $1,000,000 or 90% of your death benefit, $250,000 or 90% of health expenses, $5,000/month or 90% of monthly income, and $100,000 or 90% of cash/segregated-fund value. (assuris.ca)

If your home/auto insurer fails — PACICC

Up to $500,000 for personal property claims, $400,000 for other covered lines, plus 70% of unearned premium to a $1,750 maximum refund. (pacicc.ca)

Why keep these on hand? Because they're the assumptions behind every "how much do I need" decision — and because they change. We track them in a versioned file with a source and a date on every figure, and re-stamp them when they update. Bookmark this post; we refresh it each year.