Canada EI Maternity and Parental Leave Calculator
Calculate EI maternity and parental leave benefits in Canada for 2026. Maternity benefits cover 15 weeks at 55% of weekly earnings. Standard parental leave provides 35 weeks at 55%, while extended parental offers 61 weeks at 33%. See maximum weekly amounts and total payout.
Regional Rule Context
Canada Rates and Rules
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Your average weekly insurable earnings before leave
Standard pays 55% for shorter period; extended pays 33% for longer period
Result
Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result.
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Canadian EI maternity and parental benefits calculator for 2026. Maternity benefits: 15 weeks at 55% of average insurable earnings (max $668/week). Standard parental benefits: 35 weeks at 55%. Extended parental benefits: 61 weeks at 33% (max $401/week). Total maximum leave: 50 weeks (standard) or 76 weeks (extended) combining maternity and parental. One-week waiting period applies.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of Jan 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Mar 1, 2026.
Formula
EI maternity benefits are paid at 55% of insurable earnings for 15 weeks. Standard parental adds 35 weeks at 55%. Extended parental provides 61 weeks at 33%. The maximum weekly benefit is capped based on maximum insurable earnings.
Canada FAQs
How much are EI maternity benefits?
EI maternity benefits are 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings up to a maximum of $668 per week for 2025. Maternity benefits are available for 15 weeks to the birth parent only, starting as early as 12 weeks before the expected due date.
What is the difference between standard and extended parental leave?
Standard parental benefits pay 55% of earnings (max $668/week) for up to 35 weeks. Extended parental benefits pay 33% (max $401/week) for up to 61 weeks. Both options provide roughly the same total dollar amount spread over different time periods. Extended gives more time at home but less per week.
Can both parents take parental leave?
Yes. The 35 standard weeks (or 61 extended weeks) can be shared between both parents. An additional 5 weeks (standard) or 8 weeks (extended) are available exclusively to the other parent, encouraging shared parenting. These bonus weeks are lost if not used.
Do I need to have worked a minimum number of hours?
Yes. You need at least 600 insurable hours in the 52 weeks before your claim to qualify for EI maternity or parental benefits. This is roughly 15 to 20 hours per week for a full year.
Is there a waiting period for EI maternity benefits?
Yes. There is a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin. This waiting period is served only once per claim, even if you take both maternity and parental benefits consecutively.
How does Quebec parental leave differ?
Quebec has its own program (QPIP) that is more generous: maternity benefits up to 70% for 18 weeks, paternity benefits for 5 weeks at 70%, and shared parental benefits. Quebec residents pay QPIP premiums instead of the parental portion of EI.
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