Canada’s EI parental benefit has increased and here’s how much you can get
Maternity and parental benefits offer expecting parents support during an exciting yet financially challenging time.
If you’re a parent taking time off to care for a newborn or adopted child, the Employment Insurance (EI) program helps with the transition into parenthood, and the amount you can receive has increased this year.
In an email to Daily Hive, a representative for Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) stated that EI rates for the following year are announced on or before September 14. The increase then takes effect the following calendar year, from January 1 to December 31.
Here’s what you need to know about EI maternity and parental benefits and how much you could receive.
Maternity benefits vs. parental benefits
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Whether you’re expecting or have recently given birth, you might qualify for maternity assistance through EI. The program is designed to provide financial support when you take time off to be with your child during the early stages of their life.
Parents can’t share maternity benefits. It’s also important to note that a person receiving maternity benefits may be entitled to parental benefits as well. You can receive maternity benefits as early as 12 weeks before your due date or the date you give birth.
Unlike maternity benefits, parental benefits can be shared by parents of a newborn or newly adopted child. If you qualify, you must choose between two options: standard parental benefits and extended parental benefits.
You don’t have to take all the weeks of parental leave in one go, but you must take them within specific periods, “starting the week of your child’s date of birth or the week your child is placed with you for the purpose of adoption.”
If you opt for the standard parental benefit, you must use your benefits within 52 weeks (12 months), but if you choose the extended parental benefit, you must do so within 78 weeks (18 months).
“Your choice determines the number of weeks and the weekly amount you’ll receive,” reads the website. “If sharing, each parent must choose the same option and submit their own application. Parents can receive their weeks of benefits at the same time or one after another.”
It’s essential to make the right choice for yourself before applying, as you won’t be able to change between standard and extended parental benefits once you or your partner receives the first week of payments.
How much can you expect to receive?
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If you just gave birth to your child, you’re eligible for up to 15 weeks of benefits, which is 55 per cent of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. In 2024, the maximum amount was $668 per week; however, as of 2025, it has increased to $695 per week.
If you choose the standard parental amount, you can also receive 55 per cent of your average insurable weekly earnings, or a maximum of up to $695 weekly (up from $668 per week last year). Parents can share 40 weeks of benefits. However, one parent can’t receive over 35 weeks of this benefit.
If you’re applying for extended parental benefits, you’ll receive 33 per cent of your insurable weekly earnings or a maximum of $417 weekly (up from $401 in 2024). Parents can share up to 69 weeks of benefits, but neither parent can receive more than 61 weeks of extended benefits. Parental benefits kick in the week your child is born or placed with you for adoption.
If your income varies, the percentage of benefits you receive will be based on the number of your highest-paid weeks of employment.
You can receive your parental benefits once your 15 weeks of maternity benefits run out. And to simplify the process, you can apply for both benefits at the same time. Calculate your benefits to find out how much you’re eligible to receive.
A person suffering from complications during pregnancy is also eligible for EI sickness benefits. Similar to maternity benefits, you could receive 55 per cent of your earnings up to a maximum of $695 weekly. You’ll be required to provide a medical certificate that explains how long you’ll be unable to work due to medical reasons.
Which benefits are you eligible for?
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Parents seeking EI maternity and parental benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
“Apply as soon as possible after you stop working. If you apply more than four weeks after your last day of work, you may lose benefits,” reads the application website.
To qualify, you must:
- Prove you’re pregnant or recently gave birth when requesting maternity benefits
- Prove you’re a parent caring for your newborn or newly adopted child when requesting parental benefits
- Demonstrate your weekly earnings from work have decreased by more than 40 per cent for at least one week
- Demonstrate you have accumulated 600 insured hours of work in the 52 weeks before the start of your claim or since the start of your last claim, whichever is shorter
If you’re not a Canadian citizen but have a valid social insurance number (SIN), you may be eligible for these benefits.
How to apply
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You don’t need to have all your documents before applying for benefits — you can submit your application and send additional documents afterwards.
The application process typically takes about an hour, and you have 72 hours to complete it. If you exceed this time limit, your application will be deleted, and you’ll need to start a new one.
To apply, you must provide employment information, mailing address, SIN, the last name at birth of one of your parents, and banking information. You’ll also be asked to provide medical certificates and records of employment (ROEs).
Once you complete your online application, you can submit additional documents by mail or at a Service Canada Centre. You can check the status of your application by contacting Service Canada or by signing into your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
Once you’ve submitted your application and required documents, you’ll receive a benefit statement with a four-digit access code by mail. You can then check the status of your application online. If your application is approved, you can expect to receive your first payment approximately 28 days after submitting your application.