Skip links
514-647-7080
Boavista Legal Services | Law firm
Photo montrant une famille lisant le guide complet complet sur les prestations parentales au Canada, incluant les types de prestations, les critères d’éligibilité, et la procédure de demande.
Published in: Labour and Employment law

Parental benefits in Canada: the complete guide

Canada offers a wide range of parental benefits to support parents, whether they are on maternity, paternity or parental leave. These benefits are intended to provide financial support to parents to help them balance their professional and personal lives after the birth or adoption of a child. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about parental benefits in Canada: types, eligibility criteria, amounts, duration, and how to get them.

However, if you reside in Quebec, it is essential to note that the plan that applies to you is not the Government of Canada’s Employment Insurance parental benefits but the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), which has its own eligibility conditions and operating rules. For more information, see our article on parental benefits in Quebec.

Types of parental benefits in Canada

In Canada, parental benefits are mainly divided into two categories: maternity benefits and parental benefits.

  1. Maternity benefit ;
  2. This benefit is for birth mothers who are absent from work because they are pregnant or have recently given birth. It is offered for a period of up to 15 weeks and usually begins when the mother stops working before the child is born ;
  3. Parental benefit ;
  4. Parents can also apply for parental benefits, which can be shared between both parents. This leave can last up to a maximum of 40 weeks and is often shared, allowing each parent to enjoy time at home with the child.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for receiving parental benefits vary depending on the type of benefit. In general, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have insurable employment;
  • Meet the criteria to receive these benefits;
  • See your weekly income decrease by more than 40% for at least 1 week;
  • Have accumulated a minimum of 600 hours of insurable work during the qualifying period, either during the 52 weeks preceding the start of the claim or, if applicable, since the start of your last claim, whichever is shorter;
Image of a family checking out our comprehensive guide to parental benefits in Canada, including the types of benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

Amount and duration of canadian parental benefits

The amount of parental benefits is calculated based on your earnings before the birth of the child, and there are two main types of plans for the duration and amount of benefits:

The standard plan offers up to 55% of your weekly earnings, for up to 40 weeks (up to 35 weeks of parental leave and 15 weeks of maternity).

The extended plan proposes a lower percentage (about 33%) but allows for the extension of parental leave over a period of 69 weeks.

The exact amounts may vary depending on your income and the number of children you have just given birth to, for example, twins, triplets, etc.

Application Procedure for parental benefits in Canada

Applying for parental benefits may seem complex, but it is a well-defined process. Here are the essential steps to achieve this:

  1. Choose the right type of parental benefits for your situation;
  2. Gather the necessary information;
  3. Fill out the online application;
  4. Provide the necessary documents;
  5. Receive the statement of benefits and the access code by mail;
  6. Check the status of your application.

You can verify your eligibility and submit an application on the official Government of Canada website.

Practical advice

Here are some tips to maximize your parental benefits and avoid common mistakes:

  • Apply as soon as possible: This ensures that you will receive your benefits on time;
  • Consult your employer: Make sure your employer is informed of your leave and the duration of your absence;
  • Explore opportunities for leave sharing: If you’re a couple, explore the possibility of sharing parental leave to maximize financial support;
  • Check your company’s policies: Some companies offer additional benefits to those of the government.

Conclusion

Parental benefits in Canada provide valuable support to parents after the birth or adoption of a child. Be sure to submit your application on time and consult an advisor for advice tailored to your situation.

For more information or help, contact us.

Disclaimer – This article is intended to inform and raise public awareness of legal issues. The legal information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is likely to vary significantly over time and according to the precise facts of each situation. This article is not a substitute for a lawyer’s legal opinion and does not engage the liability of Boavista Legal Services Inc., its lawyers, articling students, employees, successors and subcontractors.

Vous aimerez aussi