Say a parent earning $65,000 gives birth. EI could pay $687.50 a week. With 15 weeks of maternity and 35 weeks of standard parental benefits, that comes to $34,375 over 50 weeks. Pick the extended option and the total becomes $35,475 over 76 weeks.
Three kinds of leave
Maternity benefits go to the person who gave birth and last up to 15 weeks. Parental benefits can be taken by either parent, or split between them. Adoptive parents qualify for parental benefits too. All of these are EI payments, separate from any job-protected leave your province guarantees.
Standard or extended
Standard pays 55% of your average insurable earnings, up to $729 a week, for as many as 35 weeks per parent. Extended pays 33%, up to $437 a week, for up to 61 weeks per parent. The total money ends up similar. Extended just stretches it over more weeks.
Sharing the weeks
If both parents take parental benefits, the family gets bonus weeks: five under the standard option and eight under the extended one. The totals become 40 and 69 weeks. Tick the sharing box to see them. Each parent has to apply, and the option you choose applies to both.
How the weekly amount works
Benefits rest on your average insurable earnings, capped at $68,900 a year in 2026. Someone at $65,000 gets $687.50 a week on the standard option. Earn $68,900 or more and you hit the maximum, about $729. Low-income families may receive a supplement, which this tool leaves out.
Topping up and taxes
Some employers add to EI so you land closer to your full pay. Ask your human resources team. EI benefits are taxable, and tax comes off each payment. Have other income during the year? Plan for the tax when you file.
Quebec and other rules
Residents of Quebec apply to the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, which has its own rates and weeks. Ontario protects jobs through the Employment Standards Act, and the length depends on your situation. Check both before you plan your time off.
Applying on time
Apply as soon as you stop working. Don’t wait for the baby. You need a record of employment from your employer, and Service Canada asks for your expected due date. There is a waiting period of one week, served once per claim. When two parents share, only the first one serves it.
Job protection in Ontario
EI pays you but doesn’t guarantee your job. Ontario law gives up to 17 weeks of pregnancy leave and up to 61 weeks of parental leave, with a shorter period for those who took pregnancy leave. You usually need at least 13 weeks with your employer, and you should give written notice ahead of time.
Toronto and Ontario families
Child care in Toronto is costly, and waiting lists can run for months, so many families plan leave around the day a daycare space opens. Add the expected fees to your budget for the months after leave ends. Income goes back to normal then, but new costs begin.
Where to go next
Check your regular EI in the EI calculator. See what child benefits add with the Canada Child Benefit calculator. To plan the months on leave, build a budget with the monthly budget calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much are EI maternity benefits?
55% of your average insurable earnings, up to $729 a week, for up to 15 weeks.
What is the difference between standard and extended parental benefits?
Standard pays 55% for up to 35 weeks per parent. Extended pays 33% for up to 61 weeks.
Do I get extra weeks if we share?
Yes. Five extra weeks under standard and eight under extended.
What is the maximum weekly benefit?
$729 for standard and $437 for extended, in 2026.
Are EI parental benefits taxable?
Yes.
Does this apply in Quebec?
No. Quebec residents use the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan.
Sources and updates
Last reviewed: . Full disclaimer. How we build calculators. Editorial policy.
Estimate only. This calculator gives general information for planning. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and it is not affiliated with the City of Toronto, MPAC or the Canada Revenue Agency. Results depend on the numbers you enter and may differ from official amounts. Check official sources or a qualified professional before you decide.