Expecting or new parents in Canada relying on Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for financial support during parental leave will see an increase in the maximum weekly amount for 2025. This change aims to help families manage the financial transition that comes with welcoming a new child. Understanding the different types of benefits and eligibility criteria is crucial for planning your leave.
Contents
This guide covers the key details:
- The difference between maternity and parental benefits.
- How much you can receive weekly, including the new 2025 maximums.
- Eligibility requirements.
- Steps for applying.
Maternity vs. Parental Benefits Explained
Navigating the world of parental leave benefits in Canada starts with understanding the two main types offered through the EI program: maternity and parental benefits. These are designed to provide financial assistance when you take time off work following the birth or adoption of a child.
Maternity benefits are specifically for individuals who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Only the birthing parent is eligible for these benefits, and they cannot be shared. You can start receiving maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before your due date or the date of birth.
Parental benefits, however, are available to parents of a newborn or newly adopted child. Unlike maternity benefits, parental benefits can be shared between eligible parents. There are two options for parental benefits: the Standard option and the Extended option. The choice you make impacts the duration and weekly amount of the benefits received.
Regardless of the option chosen, parental benefits must be taken within a specific period, starting the week your child is born or placed with you for adoption. Standard benefits must be used within 52 weeks (12 months), while Extended benefits allow up to 78 weeks (18 months) for usage. Both parents sharing benefits must choose the same option. Once payments begin, you cannot switch options.
Parents holding a baby in a stroller
How Much Are EI Maternity and Parental Benefits in 2025?
A key update for 2025 is the increase in the maximum insurable earnings used to calculate EI benefits. This means the maximum weekly amount you can receive has also increased.
For Maternity Benefits:
You can receive up to 15 weeks of maternity benefits. The weekly amount is calculated as 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings.
- In 2024, the maximum weekly amount was $668.
- In 2025, the maximum weekly amount increases to $695.
For Standard Parental Benefits:
Parents choosing the standard option can share up to 40 weeks of benefits, though one parent cannot receive more than 35 weeks. The weekly amount is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings.
- In 2024, the maximum weekly amount was $668.
- In 2025, the maximum weekly amount increases to $695.
For Extended Parental Benefits:
Parents choosing the extended option can share up to 69 weeks of benefits, with neither parent receiving more than 61 weeks. The trade-off for the longer duration is a lower weekly rate. The weekly amount is 33% of your average insurable weekly earnings.
- In 2024, the maximum weekly amount was $401.
- In 2025, the maximum weekly amount increases to $417.
If you have varying income, your benefit percentage is typically based on your highest-paid weeks of employment within the qualifying period.
Maternity benefits are usually paid first, and parental benefits can begin after maternity benefits run out. You have the option to apply for both benefit types simultaneously to streamline the process. You can use the government’s online tools to calculate your estimated benefit amount.
If you experience pregnancy complications that prevent you from working, you may also be eligible for EI sickness benefits. This provides 55% of your insurable earnings, up to the new 2025 maximum of $695 per week, requiring a medical certificate.
Calculator and paperwork on a desk
Who Is Eligible for EI Maternity and Parental Benefits?
To qualify for EI maternity or parental benefits in Canada, you must meet specific criteria:
- You need to be able to prove you are pregnant or have recently given birth (for maternity benefits) or are a parent caring for your newborn or adopted child (for parental benefits).
- Your normal weekly earnings from work must have decreased by more than 40% for at least one week because you are taking time off to care for a child.
- You must have accumulated at least 600 insured hours of employment in the 52 weeks before the start of your EI claim or since the start of your last claim, whichever period is shorter.
Even if you are not a Canadian citizen, you may be eligible for these benefits if you have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
It is strongly recommended to apply for benefits as soon as possible after stopping work. Delays of more than four weeks after your last day of employment could result in a loss of benefits. The official application website provides detailed guidance.
Family walking outdoors with a baby
How to Apply for EI Maternity and Parental Benefits
The application process for EI maternity and parental benefits is primarily completed online. While gathering all required documents beforehand is helpful, you can start your application and submit additional information later.
The online application typically takes about an hour to complete. It’s important to finish it within 72 hours, or your progress may be lost, requiring you to start over.
Key information required for your application includes:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- The last name at birth of one of your parents.
- Your mailing address.
- Banking information for direct deposit.
- Employment information for the last 52 weeks, including Records of Employment (ROEs) from all employers during that period.
- A medical certificate (required for maternity benefits).
After submitting your online application, you can often provide supporting documents like ROEs electronically or by mail/in person at a Service Canada Centre.
You can track the status of your application by contacting Service Canada directly or by accessing your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). Once your application is approved and all necessary documents are received, you can typically expect to receive your first payment approximately 28 days after submission.
Woman completing paperwork, possibly an application
Conclusion
The increase in maximum EI maternity and parental benefits for 2025 offers additional financial relief for Canadian families welcoming a new child. Understanding the distinctions between maternity and parental benefits, the standard and extended parental options, the new maximum weekly amounts, and the eligibility and application processes is vital for planning and accessing this important support. Be sure to apply promptly after stopping work and gather your documentation to ensure a smooth process.
