Maternity & Parental Leave Calculator
Estimate your 2026 EI maternity and parental benefits — or QPIP in Quebec — including the standard vs extended comparison.
Your Leave
EI insures earnings up to $68,900 in 2026 — benefits are based on your best weeks.
Max 35 per parent.
Weeks shared from the same pool — sharing unlocks the full 40/69 weeks.
2026 rates, verified June 2026 (canada.ca EI pages; RQAP for Quebec).
Results
Total Benefits
Over 55 weeks of EI benefits (before tax)
Maternity
15 weeks at $688.00/week (birth parent only)
Parental
40 shared weeks at $688.00/week
Standard vs extended (full entitlement, maternity + parental)
| Standard — 55 wks total | $688.00/wk | $37,840.00 |
| Extended — 84 wks total | $413.00/wk parental | $38,817.00 |
Extended stretches similar money over more weeks — unless you're above the cap, where extended pays slightly more in total but far less per week.
Eligibility: 600 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks. A 1-week unpaid waiting period applies (one per claim when parents share). Benefits are taxable, and only basic tax is withheld at source.
Guide & Information
Overview / Aperçu
Canadian financial and tax calculations must account for both federal and provincial regulations. The Maternity Parental Leave Calculator provides region-specific estimates for Canada / Canada.
💡 Tips
- •Always verify current rates with CRA and provincial authorities
- •Consider provincial variations when planning moves
- •Professional advice recommended for complex situations
- •Keep documentation for tax filing purposes
Why Use This Calculator / Pourquoi utiliser cette calculatrice
Accurate calculations ensure compliance with regulations, proper financial planning, and informed decision-making across Canada's complex federal-provincial system.
Regulations: Complies with current Canada regulations.
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are these Canadian calculations? / Quelle est la précision de ces calculs canadiens ?
Our calculators use current CRA guidelines and provincial rates. Results are estimates for planning purposes. Consult a tax professional for complex situations. / Nos calculatrices utilisent les directives actuelles de l'ARC et les taux provinciaux. Les résultats sont des estimations à des fins de planification. Consultez un professionnel fiscal pour les situations complexes.
Do calculations differ by province? / Les calculs diffèrent-ils selon la province ?
Yes, provincial tax rates, health premiums, and some benefit calculations vary significantly between provinces and territories. / Oui, les taux d'imposition provinciaux, les primes d'assurance-santé et certains calculs d'avantages varient considérablement entre les provinces et territoires.
Frequently asked questions
How much is EI maternity leave pay in 2026?
EI maternity benefits pay 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings up to $729 per week in 2026 (based on maximum insurable earnings of $68,900), for up to 15 weeks. Only the person who is pregnant or has recently given birth can receive maternity benefits.
What is the difference between standard and extended parental benefits?
Standard parental benefits pay 55% of earnings (up to $729/week in 2026) for up to 40 weeks shared between parents, with a 35-week maximum for one parent. Extended pays 33% (up to $437/week) for up to 69 weeks shared, with a 61-week maximum for one parent. The total payout is similar below the cap — extended just spreads it over more weeks. The choice is binding once payments start.
How does parental leave work in Quebec?
Quebec workers use QPIP instead of EI, with higher rates and a $103,000 earnings ceiling in 2026. The basic plan pays 18 weeks of maternity at 70%, 5 weeks of paternity at 70%, and 32 shareable parental weeks (7 at 70%, then 55%). The special plan pays 15 + 3 + 25 weeks, all at 75%. When each parent takes at least 8 (basic) or 6 (special) parental weeks, QPIP adds 4 or 3 bonus weeks.
How many hours do I need to qualify for EI maternity or parental benefits?
You need 600 insurable hours in the 52 weeks before your claim (about 15 weeks of full-time work). In Quebec, QPIP requires only $2,000 of insurable earnings in the qualifying period — there is no hours test.
Are maternity and parental benefits taxable?
Yes — both EI and QPIP benefits are taxable income, and only minimal tax is withheld at source, so many parents owe tax when they file. On the upside, maternity and parental benefits are exempt from the EI benefit clawback regardless of your income.
Is there a waiting period before benefits start?
EI has a one-week unpaid waiting period per claim; when parents share parental benefits, only one waiting period needs to be served between them. QPIP in Quebec has no waiting period at all — benefits can start the week your leave begins.