EI Maternity and Parental Benefits
About This Program
EI maternity benefits are available to biological mothers, including surrogate mothers, who cannot work because they are pregnant or have recently given birth. Maternity benefits can be paid for a maximum of 15 weeks at 55% of insurable earnings. These can be combined with parental benefits. Standard parental benefits provide 55% of earnings for up to 40 shared weeks (35 weeks max for one parent). Extended parental benefits provide 33% of earnings for up to 69 shared weeks (61 weeks max for one parent). Parents must choose one option and share the benefit weeks between them.
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?
Available only to the person who is pregnant or has given birth. One-week waiting period before benefits start.
Can be shared between both parents. 5 weeks are reserved for the second parent under the parental sharing provision.
Can be shared between both parents. 8 weeks are reserved for the second parent under the parental sharing provision.
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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