Québec Parental Insurance Plan

QuebecFamilyChecked October 2, 2026

QPIP replaces part of your income during maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave in Québec, instead of EI maternity and parental benefits. You choose a longer basic plan or a shorter special plan with higher rates.

How much

Basic plan: 18 weeks maternity and 5 weeks paternity at 70%, plus 32 shareable parental weeks (7 at 70%, then 25 at 55%). Special plan: 15, 3 and 25 weeks, all at 75%. Calculated on average weekly earnings up to $103,000 maximum insurable earnings (2026).

When it's paid

Weekly benefits, deposited every two weeks.

Who qualifies

You live in Québec at the start of the benefit period
You stopped work or your usual weekly earnings dropped by at least 40%
You had at least $2,000 in insurable earnings in the reference period (salaried or self-employed)
You are having or adopting a child (or surrogacy situations covered by the plan)

How to apply

Choose basic or special plan (both parents must choose the same)
Apply online through the QPIP site once your leave starts
Have your employer issue a record of employment
Plan how parents will share the shareable weeks

What to have ready

Record of employment
SIN
Child's birth or adoption information
Bank details

Add to a printable checklist with other benefits

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying for EI parental benefits instead
Parents choosing different plans
Missing the deadline after the child's birth

Still being confirmed: Payment frequency and application deadline were not confirmed on the pages opened. Check the official page for the latest details.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on October 2, 2026.

EI maternity and parental benefitsThese EI benefits help parents take time off work for a new baby or adopted child. Quebec residents use the Quebec…
Québec Family AllowanceAllocation famille is Retraite Québec's tax-free payment for families with children under 18. The amount depends on…
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment to help families with the cost of raising children under 18. The…
Having a babyLife-event checklist

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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.