Maternity benefits when you are self-employed in Canada
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Outside Québec, self-employed people get EI maternity and parental benefits only if they opt in: the agreement must be active 12 months before you claim, and you need $9,254 of net self-employed earnings in 2025. Premiums in 2026 are $1.63 per $100, up to $1,123.07. In Québec, QPIP covers self-employed workers with $2,000 of insurable earnings.
Outside Québec: EI is opt-in
Self-employed people do not pay EI automatically, so they are not covered automatically. Canada.ca explains that you can register for EI special benefits for self-employed people, which include maternity and parental benefits (along with sickness, caregiving and compassionate care benefits), by entering an agreement with the Canada Employment Insurance Commission through My Service Canada Account.
The rules, as of October 2026
| Rule | What Canada.ca says |
|---|---|
| Waiting time | Your agreement must be active for at least 12 months before you can receive any special benefits |
| Minimum earnings | At least $9,254 in net self-employed earnings between January 1 and December 31, 2025 |
| Premiums in 2026 | $1.63 per $100 of self-employment income, up to $1,123.07 |
| Leaving the program | Once you have received benefits, you cannot opt out: you keep paying premiums as long as you are self-employed |
| Maternity | Only for the person who is away from work |
| Parental | For the parents of a newborn or newly adopted child |
What this means for you
- Planning a baby? Register now: the 12-month clock starts when the agreement is active.
- Already pregnant? Count the months to your due date and to the end of your maternity window with Service Canada before relying on it.
- Also employed? Your employment hours may be enough for regular EI benefits (600 insured hours). See EI maternity and parental benefits.
In Québec: QPIP covers you
In Québec, self-employed workers are part of the Québec Parental Insurance Plan without an opt-in. Québec.ca lists the conditions: at least $2,000 of insurable earnings in the qualifying period, contributions paid or owed, residence in Québec on the start date of benefits and on December 31 of the previous year, and a reduction of at least 40% in the time spent on your business.
- Your qualifying period is usually the previous calendar year; in your first year of business, it is the year your benefits begin.
- Your benefit is based on 1/52 of your insurable earnings (line 27 of Schedule L of your Québec tax return), up to the 2026 maximum of $103,000.
- If you are both salaried and self-employed, the more advantageous calculation applies.
Self-employed Québec residents pay a lower EI rate in 2026 ($1.30 per $100, up to $895.70) when they join EI special benefits, because QPIP covers the parental benefits. Details: Québec's QPIP explained.
If you do not qualify this time
- Make sure you receive the full Canada Child Benefit for your newborn and your provincial benefit: file your tax return on time.
- Ask your provincial health line and public health unit about free support programs after the birth.
- Plan your clients and cash flow for the weeks around the birth, and register for the EI program for any future pregnancy.
Questions parents ask
Can I register for EI as self-employed if I am already pregnant?
You can register, but your agreement must be active for at least 12 months before you can receive special benefits. Check your dates with Service Canada before relying on it for this pregnancy.
Can I stop paying EI premiums later?
Before you claim, withdrawal is possible under the program's rules. Once you have received EI special benefits, you must keep paying premiums for as long as you are self-employed.
I am employed part-time and self-employed. Which applies?
Your insured hours from employment may qualify you for regular EI maternity and parental benefits on their own (600 hours). Ask Service Canada how your two activities are treated.
Sources
- Government of Canada — EI special benefits for self-employed people checked October 13, 2026
- Government of Canada — EI special benefits for self-employed people, eligibility checked October 13, 2026
- Government of Canada — EI special benefits for self-employed people, premiums checked October 13, 2026
- Gouvernement du Québec — QPIP eligibility conditions checked October 13, 2026
- Gouvernement du Québec — How is the QPIP benefit amount determined 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.