How to Apply for EI Maternity and Parental Benefits

What Are EI Maternity and Parental Benefits?

Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits provide financial assistance to people who are away from work because they are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are caring for a newborn or newly adopted child. These benefits are administered by Service Canada.

Who Can Get Them?

• Maternity benefits: Available only to the person who is away from work due to pregnancy or recent birth. They cannot be shared with a partner. The person receiving maternity benefits may also be eligible for parental benefits.
• Parental benefits: Available to parents of a newborn or newly adopted child. There are two options: standard and extended.

How Much Can You Get?

• You can receive 55% of your earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week (as of 2026).
• Maternity benefits: up to 15 weeks.
• Standard parental benefits: up to 40 weeks (one parent can receive up to 35 weeks).
• Extended parental benefits: up to 69 weeks (one parent can receive up to 61 weeks).
• Extended parental benefits pay 33% of earnings, up to $437 per week.

Standard or Extended?

When applying for parental benefits, you must choose between standard and extended options. This choice determines the number of weeks and the weekly amount.

• Standard parental: Up to 40 weeks, shareable, but one parent cannot receive more than 35 weeks. Must be taken within 52 weeks of the child's birth or placement.
• Extended parental: Up to 69 weeks, shareable, but one parent cannot receive more than 61 weeks. Must be taken within 78 weeks of the child's birth or placement.

Once a week of parental benefits has been paid to you (or to the other parent if sharing), you cannot switch between standard and extended.

How to Apply?

• You can apply for maternity and parental benefits at the same time.
• If sharing parental benefits, each parent must choose the same option and submit their own application.
• Parents can receive their weeks at the same time or one after another.
• Parental benefits do not have to be taken consecutively, but must be taken within the specified period.

Residents of Quebec

The Province of Quebec is responsible for providing maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption benefits to its residents. Visit the Québec Parental Insurance Plan for more information.

Official Sources

• EI maternity and parental benefits: What these benefits offer - Canada.ca