Key takeaways
- Maternity: up to 15 weeks at 55% of earnings, maximum $729 a week in 2026
- Standard parental: up to 40 weeks shared (35 per parent) at 55%, maximum $729
- Extended parental: up to 69 weeks shared (61 per parent) at 33%, maximum $437
- You need 600 insured hours in the 52 weeks before your claim
- Quebec residents use the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) instead
EI maternity and parental benefit rates for 2026
| Benefit | Rate | 2026 weekly maximum | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 55% | $729 | Up to 15 |
| Standard parental | 55% | $729 | Up to 40 shared, max 35 per parent |
| Extended parental | 33% | $437 | Up to 69 shared, max 61 per parent |
The weekly maximum comes from the 2026 maximum insurable earnings of $68,900. If you earn more than that, you get the maximum.
Standard or extended parental benefits?
Both options pay about the same total. Extended spreads a lower weekly amount over more weeks. You choose when you apply, and the choice is final once payments start. Both parents must choose the same option.
- Standard suits you if you need more money each week and plan to return to work within about a year.
- Extended suits you if your employer tops up your pay, or you can live on less for 18 months.
If both parents share, you get extra weeks: 5 more on standard (40 total) and 8 more on extended (69 total).
How the calculator estimates your benefit
Service Canada uses your best weeks of insurable earnings in the last 52 weeks. The number of best weeks (14 to 22) depends on the unemployment rate in your region. The calculator uses your yearly earnings divided by 52 as a simple estimate. If your pay changed a lot, your real benefit may differ.
Maternity benefits can start up to 12 weeks before your due date. A one-week unpaid waiting period usually applies, but only once per couple when you share parental benefits.
Worked example
Lin earns $55,000 a year in Alberta. Her average weekly earnings are about $1,058. At 55%, she gets about $582 a week. With 15 weeks of maternity and 35 weeks of standard parental, she receives about $29,100 before tax over 50 weeks. If she chose extended parental for 61 weeks at 33% (about $349 a week), she would receive about $30,000 over 76 weeks.
Newcomers: do you qualify?
You need 600 insured hours in the 52 weeks before your claim (or since your last claim). That is about 16 weeks of full-time work. Hours worked outside Canada do not count, so if you arrive while pregnant you may not qualify. Your immigration status does not matter as long as you have a valid SIN and worked insured hours, including on a work permit.
If you do not qualify, check other support: the Canada child benefit and the government benefits for newcomers.
Quebec: QPIP instead of EI
Quebec runs its own plan, the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP). It covers maternity, paternity, parental and adoption benefits. In 2026 QPIP covers earnings up to $103,000, and its rates are higher than EI. You do not need 600 hours: you need at least $2,000 of insurable earnings. Estimate and apply on the QPIP website.
How to apply for EI maternity and parental benefits
- Ask your employer for your Record of Employment (ROE). Most employers send it to Service Canada electronically.
- Apply online within 4 weeks of your last day of work, or you may lose benefits.
- Choose standard or extended parental benefits when you apply. If you share with your partner, you both choose the same option.
- Have your SIN, banking details for direct deposit, and your baby’s due date or birth date ready.
Payments usually start within about 28 days of applying if your claim is complete.
Common questions
Are EI maternity and parental benefits taxable?
Can I work while on parental benefits?
Can my employer top up my EI?
Can both parents take leave at the same time?
What is the family supplement?
Sources
- Service Canada: EI maternity and parental benefits
- Service Canada: EI maternity and parental benefits, how much you could receive
- Service Canada: EI maternity and parental benefits, eligibility
- CRA: T4127 Payroll Deductions Formulas, 122nd edition (January 1, 2026)
- Revenu Québec: Principal changes for 2026
- Québec Parental Insurance Plan (RQAP)