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EI maternity and parental benefits

FederalFamilyChecked October 2, 2026

These EI benefits help parents take time off work for a new baby or adopted child. Quebec residents use the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan instead.

How much

2026: maternity up to 15 weeks at 55% (max $729/week). Standard parental: up to 40 weeks shared (one parent max 35) at 55%, max $729/week. Extended parental: up to 69 weeks shared (one parent max 61) at 33%, max $437/week.

When it's paid

Paid every two weeks. Standard parental must be used within 52 weeks of the birth or placement; extended within 78 weeks.

Self-employed? You can opt into EI special benefits, but you must register 12 months before you claim. How it works · Is it worth it for me?

Who qualifies

  • Pregnant or recently gave birth (maternity)
  • Parent caring for a newborn or newly adopted child (parental)
  • Enough insurable hours in the past 52 weeks
  • Regular weekly earnings have dropped significantly
  • Live outside Quebec

How to apply

  1. Choose standard or extended parental - you can't switch once payments start
  2. Both parents must pick the same option if sharing
  3. Apply online once you stop working
  4. Make sure your employer issues a record of employment

What to have ready

  • Social Insurance Number
  • Record of employment
  • Expected or actual birth date, or adoption placement date
  • Other parent's Social Insurance Number if sharing

Add to a printable checklist with other benefits

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing extended without realizing the lower weekly rate
  • Parents picking different options
  • Quebec residents applying to EI instead of QPIP
Still being confirmed: Exact hours and earnings-drop requirements were not re-read on the eligibility subpage. Check the official page for the latest details.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on October 2, 2026.

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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.