EI Maternity and Parental Benefits
Tchaps Solution- 2025-09-20
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Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits provide temporary financial support to: - People who are pregnant or have recently given birth - Parents caring for a newborn or newly adopted child
Residents of Quebec receive these benefits through the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP).
Maternity Benefits
- Available only to the person giving birth (including surrogate mothers)
- Cannot be shared between parents
- Duration: up to 15 weeks
- Rate: 55% of average weekly earnings, up to $695/week
Parental Benefits
Available to biological, adoptive, or legally recognized parents. Two options:
1. Standard Parental Benefits
- Up to 40 weeks total (max 35 weeks per parent)
- Must be used within 52 weeks of birth/adoption
- Rate: 55%, up to $695/week
2. Extended Parental Benefits
- Up to 69 weeks total (max 61 weeks per parent)
- Must be used within 78 weeks of birth/adoption
- Rate: 33%, up to $417/week
Important: Once a payment is made, you cannot switch between standard and extended options.
Sharing Benefits
Parents can share benefits and take them simultaneously or consecutively
Each parent must choose the same option and submit their own application
Benefit Summary Table
Benefit Type Max Weeks Benefit Rate Weekly Max
Maternity 15 55% $695
Standard Parental 40 (max 35 per parent) 55% $695
Extended Parental 69 (max 61 per parent) 33% $417
