Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits replace just over half your paycheque while you are off with a new child — but the weekly maximums, week limits and sharing rules confuse almost everyone the first time. For 2026, maximum insurable earnings are $68,900, which caps benefits at $729/week for maternity and standard parental, or $437/week for extended parental.
Two separate entitlements are at play: job protection (provincial employment standards) and income replacement (federal EI). This guide covers the money. Your exact benefit is calculated from your own insurable earnings — the figures below are 2026 maximums.
2026 benefit amounts
| Benefit | Rate | Max/week | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity (birth parent only) | 55% | $729 | Up to 15 |
| Standard parental | 55% | $729 | Up to 35 per parent (40 shared) |
| Extended parental | 33% | $437 | Up to 61 per parent (69 shared) |
Maximums assume insurable earnings at the $68,900 MIE. A birth parent taking maternity plus standard parental can receive up to 50 weeks; with extended, up to 76 weeks.
The sharing rules that unlock extra weeks
- Standard: 40 weeks are shareable, but no one parent can take more than 35 — the other parent must take at least 5 ("use it or lose it") to unlock the full 40.
- Extended: 69 weeks shareable, max 61 per parent — the other parent must take at least 8 for the full 69.
- Each parent files separately and each benefit is calculated from that parent's own earnings and hours.
- You cannot switch between standard and extended once payments begin — choose carefully at application.
- Quebec is separate: QPIP pays higher rates (up to 75% under the basic plan) with its own rules.
Eligibility: the 600-hour test
You need 600 hours of insurable employment in the 52 weeks before your claim (or since your last claim). There is a 1-week unpaid waiting period per claim. Benefits are taxable income. Employer top-ups are allowed and, if structured properly, do not reduce EI — check whether your employer offers one before assuming you are on your own.
Standard vs. extended, honestly: the total dollars are roughly the same either way — extended just spreads them thinner over more months. Choose standard if you need the cash flow; extended if time matters more than money.
Frequently asked questions
How much is EI maternity leave per week in 2026?
Up to 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, capped at $729/week in 2026 (based on $68,900 maximum insurable earnings). Extended parental pays 33%, capped at $437/week.
How many weeks of parental leave can I take in Canada?
Standard: up to 35 weeks per parent (40 shared). Extended: up to 61 per parent (69 shared). Maternity adds up to 15 weeks for the birth parent.
Can both parents take parental leave at the same time?
Yes — parents can take leave simultaneously (using two weeks of entitlement per calendar week) or consecutively. Sharing unlocks bonus weeks: 5 extra standard or 8 extra extended.
How many hours do I need for EI maternity benefits?
600 insurable hours in the 52 weeks before your claim. Quebec’s QPIP system has different thresholds.
Are EI maternity benefits taxable?
Yes — EI benefits are taxable income, and tax is deducted from payments.
Sources and methodology
- EBSource: EI Maternity and Parental Benefits Calculator 2026
- LifeMoney: Maternity Leave Pay 2026
- Spring Financial: 2026 Guide to Maternity Leave Benefits in Canada
This article provides general information for planning purposes, not professional advice or a quote. Cost figures are NorthPeak planning estimates unless a source is named; confirm current prices with licensed local contractors and professionals before making decisions.