What Are EI Maternity Benefits in Canada?
EI maternity benefits are federal payments provided through Employment Insurance (EI) to help replace income while a birth mother is away from work due to pregnancy or childbirth.
These benefits are administered by the Government of Canada, not employers.
⚠️ Important:
EI maternity benefits provide income support only.
Your job protection and leave rights come from employment law, not EI.
How Much Is EI Maternity Leave Pay in 2026?
In 2026, EI maternity leave pay in Canada provides 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week. This maximum applies to EI claims starting on or after January 1, 2026, and maternity benefits can be paid for up to 15 weeks.
EI maternity benefits pay:
- 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings
- Up to a maximum of $729 per week (2026 cap)
The maximum yearly insurable earnings amount for 2026 is $68,900.
Your actual payment amount depends on:
- Your earnings before starting maternity leave
- Whether you meet EI eligibility requirements
- The annual EI maximum in effect
EI maternity benefits are available for up to 15 weeks.
How Long Are EI Maternity Benefits Paid?
EI maternity benefits last for a maximum of 15 weeks.
These 15 weeks are:
- Reserved for birth mothers only
- Separate from EI parental benefits
- Typically taken around the time of birth
After maternity benefits end, parents may receive EI parental benefits, which are governed by different rules.
When Do EI Maternity Benefits Start?
EI maternity benefits can begin:
- As early as 12 weeks before the expected birth date, or
- On the date the child is born
Benefits must be used within a specific time window after birth, set by EI rules.
What Happens After EI Maternity Benefits End?
After EI maternity benefits end, many parents transition to EI parental benefits, which provide additional income support that can be shared between parents.
Parental benefits are available under standard and extended options, with different payment rates and maximum durations.
Who Is Eligible for EI Maternity Benefits?
To qualify for EI maternity benefits, you must:
- Be a birth mother
- Have accumulated enough insurable hours of employment
- Experience an interruption of earnings
- Meet EI eligibility requirements set by the federal government
Eligibility for EI benefits is separate from your entitlement to maternity leave under employment standards laws.
How Do You Apply for EI Maternity Leave?
You must apply directly through Service Canada.
In general, you will need:
- Your Record of Employment (ROE) (usually submitted electronically by your employer)
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Employment and banking information
When Should You Apply?
You should apply as soon as you stop working, even if your ROE has not yet been issued.
Delaying your application can delay payments.
EI Maternity Leave Application Timeline
Here’s how the process typically works:
- You stop working due to pregnancy or childbirth
- You apply for EI maternity benefits through Service Canada
- Your employer submits your ROE
- Service Canada reviews your application
- Payments begin if you qualify
Processing times can vary.
Is EI Maternity Leave the Same as Maternity Leave?
No.
| EI Maternity Benefits | Maternity Leave |
|---|---|
| Federal income support | Job-protected leave |
| Paid by the government | Governed by employment law |
| Based on EI eligibility | Based on provincial legislation |
You can:
- Qualify for maternity leave but not EI, or
- Qualify for EI but still have employment-law disputes
Can You Receive EI Maternity and Parental Benefits?
Yes.
EI maternity benefits (up to 15 weeks) are often followed by EI parental benefits, which provide additional income support while caring for a new child.
Parental benefits can be:
- Shared between parents
- Taken consecutively or concurrently
What If My EI Maternity Benefits Are Denied?
EI claims can be denied if:
- You don’t have enough insurable hours
- Your employment status is disputed
- Your ROE is delayed or incorrect
A denied EI claim does not automatically mean:
- You lose maternity leave
- Your employer acted lawfully
EI decisions and employment-law rights are separate issues.
Common Questions About EI Maternity Leave
How much does maternity leave pay in Canada?
EI maternity benefits pay 55% of your average weekly earnings, up to a maximum.
How many weeks is EI maternity leave?
Up to 15 weeks.
Do employers pay maternity leave in Canada?
No. Employers are not required to pay maternity leave, though some offer top-ups.
Do I need EI to take maternity leave?
No. EI provides income support. Maternity leave rights come from employment law.
Where to Learn About Your Job Rights
EI does not protect your job.
If you have questions about:
- Job protection
- Being fired before or after leave
- Returning to work
- Changes to your role
Speak With an Employment Lawyer
If issues arise before, during, or after maternity leave, you may have legal options — regardless of EI.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped 50,000+ non-unionized employees across Canada understand and enforce their workplace rights. Our employment lawyers can review your situation and explain your legal options.