Employment Insurance (EI) - Parental Benefits
About This Program
EI parental benefits are available to parents caring for a newborn or newly adopted child. Both biological and adoptive parents can share parental benefits. There are two options: standard parental benefits provide 55% of earnings for up to 40 weeks (maximum 35 weeks for one parent), and extended parental benefits provide 33% of earnings for up to 69 weeks (maximum 61 weeks for one parent). You must choose one option and it cannot be changed once selected.
Am I Eligible?
To qualify for this program, you generally need to meet all of the following requirements:
- You must have accumulated EI insurable hours
- Your EI insurable hours must be 600 or more
- Your citizenship status must be one of: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident
How Much Could You Receive?
55% of average insurable weekly earnings for up to 40 weeks shared between parents
33% of average insurable weekly earnings for up to 69 weeks shared between parents
How to Apply
Applications for this program are handled directly by the Government of Canada. Visit the official program page for application forms, required documents, and processing times.
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