Maternity & Parental Leave
EI Calculator
Estimate your EI payments during maternity and parental leave. Compare standard vs extended leave, add employer top-up amounts, and see a week-by-week income schedule.
Your leave details
EI benefit estimates are based on the 2026 federal EI program. Actual amounts determined by Service Canada. Quebec residents use QPIP — a separate program not covered here. Not financial or legal advice. Terms →
Understanding maternity & parental leave in Canada
How the EI system works for new parents — the key decisions to make before your leave.
Maternity benefits (15 weeks at 55%) are exclusively for the birthing parent to recover from pregnancy and birth. Parental benefits are separate and available to either or both parents after the birth or adoption. You can take both, back to back, for a combined maximum of 55 weeks (standard) or 84 weeks (extended).
Standard: 40 weeks total, 55% replacement rate, max $729/week. Extended: 69 weeks total, 33% replacement rate, max $437/week. The total dollar amount paid out is roughly equivalent — you choose more money per week (standard) or more time off (extended). You cannot change your choice once payments begin.
Both parents can receive parental benefits simultaneously or in sequence. Under standard leave, each parent has 5 weeks reserved that the other cannot claim. Under extended leave, each parent has 8 weeks reserved. Sharing allows both parents to maximize their combined leave time.
Many Canadian employers voluntarily top up EI to 75–100% of salary for a period. This is not legally required but is common in the public sector, finance, tech, and large corporations. Top-up payments are taxable income. Check your employment contract or HR policy before your leave begins.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum EI maternity benefit in 2026?
The maximum weekly maternity benefit is $729 per week (55% of maximum insurable earnings of $68,900 ÷ 52). You receive this maximum for up to 15 weeks, minus the 1-week waiting period. Lower-earning parents receive 55% of their average weekly insurable earnings.
Can both parents take leave at the same time?
Yes. Both parents can claim parental benefits simultaneously, though this reduces the total number of weeks available. For standard parental leave, the total is 40 weeks split between both parents. Taking leave simultaneously means the leave ends sooner but both parents are home together.
Do I need 600 hours to qualify?
Yes. You must have worked 600 insurable hours in the 52 weeks before your claim to qualify for maternity or parental EI benefits. This requirement is the same nationwide and is not affected by regional unemployment rates (unlike regular EI).
How does the EI clawback work for parental leave?
If your net income in the calendar year exceeds $86,125 in 2026, you must repay 30% of the EI benefits you received that year. This catches high-income earners who returned to work and earned a full salary on top of their EI. Plan accordingly if you return to work mid-year.
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Plan your full financial picture during and after leave.