Earlier access to maternity benefits
Since December 3, 2017, pregnant workers can get maternity benefits as early as 12 weeks before the expected date of childbirth and up to 17 weeks after.
Pregnant workers can receive EI maternity benefits:
- for a maximum of 15 weeks; and
- at 55% of their average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $547 per week in 2017.
The change to maternity benefits applies to any new claims starting on or after December 3, 2017.
Self-employed people can voluntarily opt into the Employment Insurance program to access special benefits. For more information or to apply, visit EI Special Benefits for Self-Employed People – Overview.
The Québec Parental Insurance Plan offers maternity, parental and adoption benefits, as well as a paternity benefit, to residents of the province of Quebec.
For more information or to apply, visit EI Maternity and Parental Benefits – Overview.
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