What Are EI Parental Benefits in Canada?
EI parental benefits are federal payments provided through Employment Insurance (EI) to help replace income while parents take time off work to care for a new child.
These benefits are administered by the Government of Canada, not employers.
⚠️ Important:
EI parental benefits provide income support only.
Your right to take parental leave and return to your job comes from employment law, not EI.
How Much Do EI Parental Benefits Pay in 2026?
In 2026, EI parental benefits pay a percentage of your average insurable weekly earnings. The amount depends on whether you choose the standard or extended option.
Standard EI Parental Benefits (2026)
Under the standard option, EI pays:
- 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings
- Up to a maximum of $729 per week
- For up to 40 weeks total, shared between parents
- One parent can receive no more than 35 weeks
Extended EI Parental Benefits (2026)
Under the extended option, EI pays:
- 33% of your average insurable weekly earnings
- Up to a maximum of $437 per week
- For up to 69 weeks total, shared between parents
How Long Are EI Parental Benefits Paid?
EI parental benefits can be paid for:
- Up to 40 weeks (standard option), or
- Up to 69 weeks (extended option)
These weeks can be:
- Taken by one parent, or
- Shared between parents, subject to EI rules
Each parent has their own EI entitlement limits, even though the total weeks are shared.
The “5 Weeks for Fathers” Rule Explained
You may hear terms like:
- “5 weeks for fathers”
- “daddy days”
- “extra weeks for non-birthing parents”
These terms refer to EI parental benefit incentives, not employment law.
Under EI:
- When both parents share parental benefits, additional weeks may be available
- These extra weeks are designed to encourage shared caregiving
- They are financial benefits only, not separate legal leave entitlements
Who Is Eligible for EI Parental Benefits?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a parent (birth, adoptive, or intended)
- Have enough insurable hours of employment
- Experience an interruption of earnings
- Meet EI eligibility requirements
EI eligibility is separate from your entitlement to parental leave under employment standards legislation.
When Can EI Parental Benefits Start?
EI parental benefits can begin:
- On the date a child is born, or
- When a child is placed with you for adoption
Benefits must be used within the EI time limits following birth or placement.
How Do You Apply?
You must apply directly through Service Canada.
In general, you will need:
- Your Record of Employment (ROE) (usually submitted electronically)
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Employment and banking information
You should apply as soon as you stop working, even if your ROE has not yet been issued.
EI Parental Benefits vs. Parental Leave
EI parental benefits and parental leave are not the same thing.
| EI Parental Benefits | Parental Leave |
|---|---|
| Federal income support | Job-protected leave |
| Paid by the government | Governed by employment law |
| Based on EI eligibility | Based on provincial legislation |
You may qualify for parental leave even if you do not qualify for EI.
How EI Parental Benefits Work With EI Maternity Benefits
EI maternity benefits are paid first to birth mothers, followed by EI parental benefits.
- Maternity benefits provide income support for up to 15 weeks,
- Parental benefits can then be shared between parents under the standard or extended option.
What If My EI Benefits Are Denied?
EI benefits may be delayed or denied due to:
- Insufficient insurable hours
- ROE errors or delays
- Disputes about employment status
⚠️ We do not assist with EI claims or appeals.
However, EI issues often arise alongside workplace disputes, such as:
- Being fired before or after parental leave
- Pressure to return early
- Job changes after leave
Those issues may involve employment law, even if EI is part of the background.
Common Questions About EI Parental Benefits
How much does parental leave pay in Canada?
In 2026, EI parental benefits pay either 55% (up to $729/week) under the standard option or 33% (up to $437/week) under the extended option.
Can both parents receive EI parental benefits?
Yes. Benefits can be shared between parents, subject to EI limits.
Does EI protect my job?
No. Job protection comes from employment law, not EI.
Where to Learn About Your Job Rights
EI does not determine whether your employer acted lawfully.
If you have questions about:
- Job-protected parental leave
- Termination related to parental leave
- Changes to your job after leave
Speak With an Employment Lawyer
If your employer:
- Denied your parental leave
- Changed your job while you were away
- Fired you before, during, or after parental leave
You may be entitled to severance pay or additional compensation, 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.