The scoop
Employment Insurance pays up to 15 weeks of maternity benefits to the person giving birth, at 55% of earnings up to $729 a week.
Parents can also choose standard parental benefits (up to 40 weeks shared, taken within 12 months) or extended parental benefits (taken within 18 months at a lower weekly rate).
How to claim it
- 1
Check you have enough insurable hours of work.
- 2
Choose standard or extended parental benefits (both parents must choose the same option).
- 3
Apply online as soon as you stop working.
Who qualifies
- Enough insurable hours from employment
- Parents choose standard or extended parental benefits