EI maternity · parental benefits
Maternity Leave Calculator 2026
Estimate your EI maternity and parental leave pay for a 12-month or 18-month leave.
Official 2026 rates, verified October 9, 2026
Use your gross pay. Earnings above $68,900 don't count.
Between 14 and 45, depending on your region and hours worked.
2026 EI benefit rates
| Benefit | Rate | Max per week | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 55% | $729 | 14 to 45 |
| Sickness | 55% | $729 | up to 26 |
| Maternity | 55% | $729 | 15 |
| Standard parental | 55% | $729 | up to 35 (40 shared) |
| Extended parental | 33% | $437 | up to 61 (69 shared) |
Maximum insurable earnings for 2026 are $68,900. Low-income families (net family income of $25,921 or less) may get a family supplement.
12 months vs 18 months
At the maximum, a 12-month leave (15 weeks maternity + 35 weeks standard parental) pays about $36,450 before tax. An 18-month leave (15 weeks maternity + 61 weeks extended parental) pays about $37,592, but spread over a longer period, at $437 a week after the first 15 weeks. Many employers also top up EI; check your benefits plan.
Frequently asked questions
How much is maternity leave pay in Canada?
EI maternity benefits pay 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to $729 a week in 2026, for 15 weeks.
Should I choose 12 or 18 months?
Standard parental pays 55% (up to $729 a week) for up to 35 weeks. Extended parental spreads a similar total over up to 61 weeks at 33% (up to $437 a week). Extended pays less in total, but covers a longer leave.
Can both parents take leave?
Yes. Parents who share parental benefits get up to 5 extra weeks (standard) or 8 extra weeks (extended).
What about Quebec?
Quebec parents get maternity, paternity and parental benefits from the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) instead of EI, with different rates and maximums.
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All rates and amounts on this page are taken from official government sources, including the Canada Revenue Agency, Revenu Québec and provincial and territorial finance ministries. Last verified October 9, 2026.