Pay · parental leave
Maternity Leave Calculator
Your maternity and parental EI week by week, for one or both parents, and when leave ends.
Your leave
How maternity and parental EI works (2026)
Maternity benefits pay the birth parent 55% of average weekly insurable earnings for up to 15 weeks, up to $729 a week in 2026 (earnings are capped at $68,900 a year). There's one unpaid waiting week per family.
Parental benefits come after: standard pays 55% (up to $729 a week) for up to 35 weeks for one parent, or 40 weeks shared; extended pays 33% (up to $437 a week) for up to 61 weeks for one parent, or 69 shared. Both parents must pick the same option.
EI is taxable, and many employers top it up. In Quebec, parents get the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) instead. For other EI types, use the EI calculator; for child benefits, the Canada Child Benefit calculator.
Sources: Government of Canada: EI maternity and parental benefits
Frequently asked questions
How much is maternity leave pay in Ontario in 2026?
55% of your average weekly earnings, up to $729 a week, for 15 weeks of maternity benefits, then parental benefits. Ontario uses federal EI, so it's the same in every province except Quebec.
Should I choose standard or extended parental leave?
Standard pays more per week (55%) over a shorter leave; extended spreads less money (33%) over up to 18 months. The total EI is similar or a little higher with standard.
How many weeks of parental leave can parents share?
40 weeks of standard parental benefits (no more than 35 for one parent) or 69 weeks of extended (no more than 61 for one parent).
Is maternity EI taxable?
Yes. Tax is withheld from each payment, and EI counts as income on your return. Employer top-ups are taxed as regular pay.
Make the most of your pay
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