Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits

Employment Insurance (EI) provides Maternity and Parental Benefits to individuals who are pregnant, have recently given birth, are adopting a child, or are caring for a newborn.

Delivered by: Service Canada on behalf of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Eligibility Information

• Am I eligible?
• How do I get benefits if I'm a self-employed person?
• I am a resident of Quebec. How do I apply for benefits from the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan?
• What if my parental leave has been deferred or interrupted because of an imperative military requirement?

Application Information

• How do I apply?
• What information/documents do I need to apply?
• I have received Employment Insurance before. Can I reactivate my claim?
• What is the status of my application?

Forms

• How do I apply for Employment Insurance online?
• What Employment Insurance forms can I view and print?

Financial Information

• How much will I receive?
• When will I receive my payment?
• How long can I receive Maternity Benefits?
• How long can I receive Parental Benefits?
• How do I change my address or direct deposit information?
• Can I receive my Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits outside Canada?
• How do I make a repayment to the EI program?

Contact Information

• How do I contact the Employment Insurance program?

Related Information

• Where can I find information on EI program legislation, research and reports?
• What can I do if I do not agree with an EI decision?

Additional Information

• How can this program help self-employed workers? Consult this example of a self-employed professional consultant.