New parents can receive up to 55% of their earnings each week while on parental leave in Canada, up to a maximum of $695 per week. This leave must be taken within either 52 or 78 weeks from your child’s birth, depending on the length of leave you select.
Parental leave is a form of employment insurance (EI) that allows new parents to take a leave of absence from their jobs in order to spend time with their new child. This is different from maternity leave, which is only available for those who are pregnant or have recently given birth, while parental leave is available for all parents.
This guide covers details regarding parental leave time periods, eligibility criteria, the application process, and more.
Key Takeaways
- There are three types of parental leave: maternity leave, standard parental leave, and extended parental leave.
- Maternity leave is only for people who are pregnant or who have recently given birth.
- You can take up to 15 weeks for maternity leave, 40 weeks for standard parental leave, and/or 69 weeks for extended parental leave.
- You can receive up to 55% of your typical earnings while on standard parental leave, up to $695 a week.
Types of parental leave in Canada
Many Canadians don't understand that there are actually three types of parental leave:
- Maternity leave
- Standard parental leave
- Extended parental leave
Maternity leave is a separate type of benefit that's only available for biological mothers (this includes surrogate mothers) who have to be away from work because they're pregnant, or because they've recently given birth.
Parental leave is available for any parent.
Keep in mind that before taking any type of parental leave, you'll have to give your employer notice. Providing them with at least 4 weeks' notice is advised.
| Type of benefits | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity leave | Up to 15 weeks | * Only for the parent who is away from work due to pregnancy or having recently given birth |
| Standard parental benefits | Up to 40 weeks | * Can be shared between parents * Neither parent can use more than 35 weeks |
| Extended parental benefits | Up to 69 weeks | * Can be shared between parents * Neither parent can use more than 61 weeks |
It's important to note that individuals are able to first take maternity leave and benefits, then follow it up with parental leave. Parents can also split either the standard or extended parental benefits, as long as they don't exceed the weekly max per person.
When should you start your parental leave?
You can start your maternity leave as early as 12 weeks before the baby's expected delivery date. However, you're no longer eligible if you wait until 17 weeks after the due date or birth—whichever is later.
For parental leave, you can start receiving parental leave the week your child is born or is placed with you (within the set 52 or 78-week period).
Some people prefer to stop working and begin their leave as soon as their child is born or placed with them so they can have as much time with the new child as possible. Others prefer to begin a bit earlier to better prepare for the child, although this is only an option for maternity leave.
Parental leave amounts
No matter the type of leave you're taking, Canadians can receive a maximum benefit rate of 55% of their typical earnings.
Here's an overview of how the different types of parental leave differ in payment amounts:
| Type of leave | Benefit rate | Maximum weekly amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity leave | 55% | $695 |
| Standard parental leave | 55% | $695 |
| Extended parental leave | 33% | $417 |
After approval, you'll receive your first benefit payment about 28 days after application.
There's also a "waiting period," a one-week period that you're not paid for, similar in concept to the deductible you pay for various types of insurance.
Luckily, if both parents share the parental benefits, only one needs to serve the waiting period.
Do employers contribute anything more?
Some employers provide additional funding for those taking parental leave, usually referred to as a "top-up."
Using the base 55% the federal government provides, employers who offer a top-up typically provide an amount that takes you to a certain percentage of your regular paycheque.
For instance, they may pay you 25% on top of what the government benefits provide, so you'd be earning a total of 80% of what you usually earn when working full-time.
Employers often include a few conditions with this top-up. For instance, you might need to commit to working with them for a certain period after your leave ends, or you could be asked to repay the top-up if specific terms aren’t met.
Be sure to read any fine print closely and discuss these details with your HR representative.
What is the difference between maternity leave and parental leave?
The main difference between maternity leave vs. parental leave is that maternity leave can only be taken by someone who is either pregnant or has recently given birth – including surrogate mothers.
Parental leave can be used by anyone with a new child.
As Forbes so adequately stated in its piece titled "How Maternity Leave Affects Your Health," there's an extensive list of benefits that maternity leave provides for both mothers and babies, all backed up by countless studies and reports. Perhaps most importantly, it decreases the rate of rehospitalization for both the mother and baby, and it significantly improves stress management for the mother.
Understanding why maternity leave is important can help you to remember and comprehend the differences between maternity and parental leave.
Eligibility requirements for parental leave applicants
As with all federal benefits, there are a few eligibility requirements you'll have to meet in order to qualify for parental leave. They're not especially complicated, but you'll want to be aware of the expectations before you begin the parental leave application.
There are a few eligibility requirements that are the same for both maternity and parental leave:
- You're currently employed and have been paying into EI.
- Your workplace earnings are or are about to decrease by more than 40% because of your pregnancy or newborn child.
- You've worked at least 600 hours within the last year (52 weeks).
Here are a few other details to keep in mind:
- Non-citizens and newcomers to Canada can apply for maternity and parental leave benefits as well, as long as they have a valid social insurance number (SIN).
- Self-employed individuals can also apply for maternity and parental leave, as long as they've been paying into EI.
- If you received EI benefit payments within the last year, you may not be eligible for the full benefits term.
- If you experience health issues during your pregnancy, you may be eligible for sickness benefits first, and then you can use the maternity and/or parental benefits later.
Maternity leave eligibility
Maternity leave is different from parental leave. For instance, it's only available for people who are either pregnant or have recently given birth. This excludes adoptive parents.
For those applying for maternity benefits, you'll also want to note that in the unfortunate event that your pregnancy ends without a live birth within 16 weeks of the estimated due date (the first 5 months), you can still take maternity leave.
Parental leave eligibility
Most of the requirements for parental leave eligibility are the same as those for maternity benefits.
The eligibility periods are a bit different, though. Biological parents must start their parental leave during the first week of their child's birth, and adoptive parents must begin their leave during the first week their new child is placed with them.
As previously mentioned, there is a total of 40 weeks of standard parental leave or 69 weeks of extended parental leave available, all of which must be used within a 52 or 78 week period, respectively, after the child’s birth.
How to apply for parental leave
Since parental leave is a type of EI benefit, the application process is similar to that of applying for EI. You'll need to gather some information first, to prepare, complete the application online, wait for an access code, and then wait for official approval.
You'll find the online application here, on the federal government's page to "Start application for employment insurance benefits."
Here are the finer details related to the steps involved in the application process.
1. Gather your personal information
The first step you'll need to complete is gathering the personal information you'll need in order to fill out the application. Here is what you'll need:
- Name and address of your employer(s)
- Dates that you were employed, as well as any reasons no longer employed by them
- Details regarding whether you were laid off, fired, or quit (an explanation of the situation may be required)
- Record of employment (ROE)
- Mailing and home address
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- SIN of the other parent who may share the parental benefits
- Last name of one of your birth parents
- Banking info for direct deposits
- Expected due date or actual birth date of your child (if applicable)
- Date your adopted child was placed with you (if applicable)
- Name and address of the adoption agency you worked with (if applicable)
Remember, it's only your employment information from the last 52 weeks that's relevant here. So, if you've had more than one employer during that time frame, you'll need to include information for all of them.
2. Complete the online application
It takes approximately 1 hour to complete the online application, but you don't have to do it all at once – your information can be saved for up to 3 days (72 hours).
You'll have a temporary password assigned to you, so you can save your progress, log out, and log back in at another time to finish what you started. But your info is deleted if you don't finish the application within the 3-day timeframe.
There are some documents you're required to share with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You can either mail these documents to them or drop them off at a Service Canada Centre near you.
3. Benefit statement and access code
Once the CRA receives your application and the accompanying documents, they send you a document in the mail that includes your benefit statement and a 4-digit access code.
Keep in mind that receiving this document doesn't mean that your parental benefits claim has been approved.
4. Check the status of your application
Log into your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to check on the status of your application. This will require using the 4-digit access code provided to you, along with your SIN.
If you don't have an MSCA, you can either create one or contact Service Canada online, by phone or mail, or visit a nearby office location.
FAQ
What is parental leave in Canada?
Parental leave is a type of benefit provided by the federal government for Canadians who are expecting a newborn baby or a child, or who have recently welcomed a new baby or child into their family.
Is there paternity leave in Canada?
No, there is no specific type of benefit for paternity leave. Instead, any parent can apply for parental leave and benefits. These benefits can even be shared between two parents, either concurrently or consecutively, with some caveats.
Can I get parental leave in Ontario?
Yes, both maternity leave and parental leave are available in Ontario, as long as the eligibility requirements are met. Among other things, you must be currently employed, paying EI, and have worked at least 600 hours in the last year.
How can I apply for parental leave?
Parents can apply for parental leave online. The application process takes about an hour to complete, and it's best if you spend time gathering the necessary personal information before starting to fill out the application.
Is there employment insurance for parental leave?
Yes – technically, parental leave is actually a form of employment insurance, which means that the eligibility requirements and application process for both EI and parental leave are very similar. The same is true for maternity leave.
What does parental leave for fathers in Canada look like?
Fathers who choose to take parental leave are entitled to either 40 or 69 weeks of benefits, and this can be split with another parent if desired. They receive a max of 55% of their typical earnings during this time.
Is there parental leave for adoptive parents in Canada?
Yes, parental leave is available for adoptive parents too. These parents can choose either standard or extended parental benefits.
Can both parents take parental leave?
Yes, both parents can take parental leave, but there are limits to how much time each person can take. Standard prenatal benefits entitle each parent to no more than 35 weeks, and extended benefits entitle each parent to no more than 61 weeks.
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