EI maternity and parental benefits in 2026, explained
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
In 2026, EI maternity benefits pay 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings for up to 15 weeks, to a maximum of $729 a week. Parental benefits pay 55% for up to 35 weeks per parent (40 shared) or 33% for up to 61 weeks (69 shared), maximum $437. You need 600 insured hours in the last 52 weeks.
The 2026 figures
| Maternity | Standard parental | Extended parental | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who | Person who is pregnant or recently gave birth | Either parent | Either parent |
| Weeks | Up to 15, cannot be shared | Up to 40 shared; maximum 35 for one parent | Up to 69 shared; maximum 61 for one parent |
| Rate | 55% | 55% | 33% |
| Maximum per week | $729 | $729 | $437 |
| Window | From 12 weeks before the due date; ends no later than 17 weeks after the due date or birth (the later) | Within 52 weeks of the birth | Within 78 weeks of the birth |
Source: Canada.ca, as of October 2026. Quebec residents receive these benefits from the Québec Parental Insurance Plan instead: see Québec's QPIP.
Where the $729 comes from
The Canada Revenue Agency sets the 2026 maximum annual insurable earnings at $68,900. Divided by 52, that is about $1,325 a week. 55% of $1,325 is about $729; 33% is about $437. Earnings above $68,900 do not increase your benefit.
How your amount is calculated
- Service Canada looks at your insurable earnings over the qualifying period.
- It takes your best weeks of earnings. Canada.ca states that the number of best weeks could be between 14 and 22, depending on the unemployment rate where you live.
- It averages them and applies 55% (or 33% for extended parental), up to the maximum.
Worked examples (before tax)
| Average insurable weekly earnings | 55% (maternity, standard) | 33% (extended) |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $275 | $165 |
| $750 | $412.50 | $247.50 |
| $1,000 | $550 | $330 |
| $1,325 or more | $729 (maximum) | $437 (maximum) |
These are simple percentages to help you plan. Your exact figure appears on your benefit statement.
Total over the leave, one parent, at the maximum
- Standard: 15 weeks x $729 + 35 weeks x $729 = 50 weeks x $729 = $36,450 before tax.
- Extended: 15 weeks x $729 + 61 weeks x $437 = $10,935 + $26,657 = $37,592 before tax.
The totals are close: extended spreads a similar amount over more time, with a much lower weekly payment.
Standard or extended?
- Choose standard if you need a higher weekly income, if your childcare place starts around 12 months, or if your employer's top-up only applies to standard benefits.
- Choose extended if you can live on 33% of your earnings for longer, and your job-protected leave covers the whole period (about 78 weeks in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta).
- The choice is made when you apply for parental benefits and applies to both parents.
Sharing between parents
Canada.ca explains that when parents share parental benefits, extra weeks are available: 5 for standard (40 weeks in total instead of 35) or 8 for extended (69 instead of 61). You can take them at the same time or one after the other, within the 52 or 78-week window. Each parent applies separately.
Eligibility
Insured hours from all your jobs count. If you are self-employed only, see maternity benefits for self-employed parents.
The Family Supplement
If your annual net family income is $25,921 or less, you have at least one child under 18 and you or your spouse receive the Canada Child Benefit, you may get the EI Family Supplement, which raises your rate. Canada.ca states that the total weekly amount with the supplement cannot exceed $729.
The waiting week and the first payment
- Canada.ca states that before you start receiving benefits, there is one week for which you will not be paid.
- You receive your first payment about 28 days after you apply, if you are eligible and Service Canada has everything it needs.
For single parents and newcomers
- Single parent: you can receive 15 weeks of maternity plus 35 (standard) or 61 (extended) weeks of parental benefits. The sharing bonus requires two parents.
- Newcomer: EI is based on insured hours worked in Canada, not on your citizenship.
- Low income: check the Family Supplement above, and make sure you also receive the Canada Child Benefit for your newborn.
Next step: how to apply for EI maternity benefits, in order, with the documents you need.
Questions parents ask
What is the maximum EI maternity benefit in 2026?
$729 a week, which is 55% of the 2026 maximum insurable earnings of $68,900 a year. Extended parental benefits have a maximum of $437 a week.
How many hours do I need for EI maternity?
600 insured hours of work in the 52 weeks before the start of your claim, or since the start of your last claim if that is shorter.
Are EI maternity benefits taxed?
Yes, EI benefits are taxable income. Plan for tax when you budget, especially if you also receive an employer top-up.
Can I switch from standard to extended later?
You choose when you apply for parental benefits and the choice applies to both parents. Check with Service Canada before benefits are paid: once parental benefits have started, the choice is generally difficult or impossible to change.
Sources
- Government of Canada — EI maternity and parental benefits, what these benefits offer checked October 13, 2026
- Government of Canada — EI maternity and parental benefits, how much you could receive checked October 13, 2026
- Government of Canada — EI maternity and parental benefits, eligibility checked October 13, 2026
- Canada Revenue Agency — EI premium rates and maximums (2026) checked October 13, 2026
- Government of Canada — EI maternity and parental benefits, after you apply checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.