Estimate weekly and total benefits across federal EI and Quebec’s QPIP. Standard, extended, basic, and special plans.
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EI standard parental (Service Canada, ROC)
$695/wk(50 weeks)
Approximate total benefit over the leave: $34,745
Insurable-earnings cap applied: $65,700.
55 % of insurable earnings (max $65,700 in 2026). 15 weeks maternity benefit + up to 35 weeks of parental, taken in the first 12 months after birth.
Quebec residents are covered by RQAP/QPIP, not federal EI maternity/parental. QPIP’s higher insurable cap ($98,000 vs $65,700) means higher earners can collect a larger weekly benefit. EI federal benefits use the federal cap of $65,700 in 2026 ($668/wk max at 55 %, $401/wk at 33 % extended). Numbers are rounded, ignore taxes withheld at source, and ignore the 1-week unpaid waiting period under EI. Before applying, confirm rates at the Service Canada or RQAP websites — they update annually.
The four plan flavours
Federal EI gives Canadians outside Quebec two parental options: standard (15 weeks maternity at 55 % + up to 35 weeks parental at 55 %, taken in the first 12 months) or extended (15 weeks maternity at 55 % + up to 61 weeks parental at 33 %, taken in the first 18 months). QPIP gives Quebec residents basic (longer leave, graduated 70 → 55 % rates) or special (shorter leave, flat 75 % rate). Pick once — you can’t switch mid-leave.
Insurable-earnings caps matter
Federal EI’s 2026 cap is $65,700 — meaning a $90,000 earner gets the same weekly rate as a $65,700 earner. QPIP’s 2026 cap is $98,000, so high earners in Quebec collect proportionately more. The calculator applies the right cap automatically.
Top-ups from your employer
Many Canadian employers offer maternity / parental top-ups that bring you to 80–95 % of your salary for some or all of the leave. These don’t affect EI/QPIP eligibility, but the combined amount is taxable income.
This tool is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed Canadian healthcare professional. Read our full disclaimer.