How to Apply for Maternity & Parental Leave Benefits (EI)
EI maternity benefits give the birth parent 15 weeks at 55% of earnings. Parental benefits then give either parent 35 weeks at 55% (standard), or 61 weeks at 33% (extended). Shared between both parents, the totals are 40 weeks (standard) or 69 weeks (extended), including 5 standard / 8 extended weeks available only when shared. You need 600 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks. Apply through My Service CanadaService Canada — The government service counter network for SIN applications, passports, EI, and other federal programs.Click for official info ↗ Account as soon as you stop working. Decide standard or extended before the first payment. The choice is locked in.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free
- Total time:
- Up to 18 months combined
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- canada.ca
Last reviewed November 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due May 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official CAN sources(November 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 15 min
Confirm the 600-hour rule
You need 600 insurable hours in the 52 weeks before your claim. Or since your last EI claim. Check your pay stubs, or your MSCA. Part-time workers often qualify. But check the math before you count on the benefits.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 30 min
Choose standard or extended parental — it locks in
Standard: 35 weeks at 55% of earnings per parent (40 weeks shared between parents). The birth parent taking the maximum gets 15 weeks maternity + 35 weeks parental = 50 weeks. Extended: 61 weeks at 33% per parent (69 weeks shared). The birth parent taking the maximum gets 15 weeks maternity + 61 weeks parental = 76 weeks (about 18 months). The total dollars are roughly equal. Extended just spreads them thinner. Once the first parental payment is issued, you cannot switch.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 1 hour
Apply as soon as you stop working
Maternity can start up to 12 weeks before the due date. Apply through MSCA right after your last day. Do this even if the ROE is not in yet. Parents can each take parental weeks at the same time, or split them. 5 weeks (standard) or 8 weeks (extended) are reserved for the second parent.
Click to mark as done
- Wait ~28 days
Serve the 1-week waiting period
Only one waiting period applies per birth. If both parents claim, only the first parent serves it. Temporary measure: the waiting period is waived for all new claims starting March 30, 2025, to October 9, 2027. The first payment typically arrives about 28 days after you apply.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up 10 min biweekly
File reports and report earnings
Fill in your biweekly reports. While on claim, you keep 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar you earn. This goes up to 90% of your previous weekly insurable earnings. Earnings above that reduce your benefits dollar for dollar. Always report work in the week it happens.
Click to mark as done
- Receive —
Coordinate with your employer top-up
Many employers top up EI to 80–100% of salary, for some weeks. Ask HR before the baby arrives. Top-up plans have their own paperwork and return-to-work conditions. Keep your benefits end date and your return date in writing.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both parents take leave at the same time?
Yes. Parental weeks can overlap fully, or be split. Note the use-it-or-lose-it weeks reserved for the second parent: 5 standard, 8 extended. If the second parent takes nothing, those weeks are lost.
What if I am self-employed?
Self-employed workers can opt into EI special benefits. Your agreement with the Canada Employment Insurance Commission must be active for at least 12 months before you can receive any special benefits. That means registering shortly before the baby arrives is not enough. A retroactive opt-in does not exist.
Does Quebec work differently?
Yes. Quebec runs its own Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP). It replaces EI for maternity/paternity/parental benefits. The rates and durations are different. Apply through the Quebec portal, not MSCA.
Keep Reading