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EI Fact Sheet #3

EI Fact Sheet #3

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Employment Insurance Maternity Benefits

What is Employment Insurance (EI) Maternity Benefits?

EI Maternity Benefits are benefits that are payable to the biological mothers (including surrogate mothers) who cannot work because they are pregnant or have recently given birth to a child.

What are the eligibility criteria for EI Maternity Benefits?

To be entitled to maternity or parental benefits you must show that:

  • your regular weekly earnings have decreased by more than 40%; and
  • you have accumulated 600 insured hours in the last 52 weeks before the start of your claim or since the start of your last claim, whichever is shorter. This period is called the qualifying period.

What information do I need to apply for Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits?

You must submit an application online at www.canada.ca.

You will need the following information when applying:

  • your social insurance number
  • the names and addresses of your employers in the past 52 weeks
  • the dates you were employed with each employer and the reasons you’re no longer employed with them.
  • your detailed explanation of the facts if you quit or were dismissed from any job in the past 52 weeks
  • your full mailing address and your home address, if they are different.
  • the SIN of any other parent if you plan to share benefits.
  • the last name at birth of 1 of your parents
  • your banking information to sign up for direct deposit, including:
  • your child’s expected or actual date of birth.
    • If your child’s actual date of birth is different from the expected date of birth entered on your application, you must let EI know as soon as possible.
  • the date your child was placed with you for the purpose of adoption, and the full name and address of the agency handling the adoption.

 How long can I receive EI Maternity Benefits for?

You are eligible to receive EI Maternity Benefits for a maximum of 15 weeks. You can begin collecting EI Maternity Benefits either up to twelve (12) weeks before your expected due date or within 17 weeks after your due date or the date you gave birth, whichever is later. The date you file your claim is very important in order that you may receive the maximum maternity benefits you are entitled to.

Maternity and parental benefits overview

Benefit name Maximum weeks Benefit rate
Maternity* (for the person giving birth) up to 15 weeks 55% up to maximum amount.
The 2025 weekly maximum is $695

Special Note:

When a pregnancy terminates within the first 19 weeks of pregnancy, EI considers this an illness. Therefore, sickness benefits may be paid for as long as all the conditions for receiving sickness benefits continue to be met.

When a pregnancy terminates after 19 weeks of pregnancy, the claim for benefits can be considered for maternity benefits as long as the conditions for maternity benefits are met.

If you get sick or require bedrest during pregnancy or if you have health complications during pregnancy, you could be eligible for sickness benefits or for maternity benefits earlier. You must meet the conditions for each benefit.

What if my child is hospitalized after birth?

If your child is hospitalized after birth, the eligibility period for maternity or parental benefits may be extended. In addition, you might be eligible for other benefits including caregiving benefit if your child is critically ill or injured.  For more information on how to extend eligibility or payments, please contact Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218.

When will I start receiving my EI Maternity Benefits?

If you have all the required information and you qualify for EI Maternity Benefits, you will start receiving payments approximately 28 days from the date of filing your claim.

Do I need to serve a waiting period to receive EI Maternity Benefits?

Yes. The waiting period is one week.

How long can I receive EI Maternity Benefits if my spouse is receiving Employment Insurance Parental Benefits?

If you are receiving a combination of maternity and parental leave benefits, you may qualify to receive payments for a combined maximum of 61 weeks. For more information on combined benefit payments, please contact Service Canada.

For additional information regarding Employment Insurance Maternity Benefits contact Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218 or online at www.canada.ca

 

OPSEU/SEFPO does not represent members in EI benefit appeals. This publication contains general information and is intended as a reference only. It is not intended as a substitute for independent legal advice regarding your particular situation.

 

https://opseu.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/EI-Fact-Sheet-3-Maternity-Benefits-2025-gv.pdf