EI Maternity Benefits

EI maternity benefits are offered to biological mothers, including surrogate mothers, who cannot work because they are pregnant or have recently given birth.

Eligibility

  • You are employed in insurable employment;
  • You meet the specific criteria for receiving EI maternity or parental benefits;
  • Your normal weekly earnings are reduced by more than 40%;
  • You have accumulated at least 600 hours of insurable employment during the qualifying period. (The 52-week period immediately before the start date of your EI period.)

How Much Could You Receive?

The basic rate for calculating EI maternity benefits is 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2018, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $51,700. This means that you can receive a maximum amount of $547 per week.

If you have an income during the pregnancy benefits period, the wages you earn will be fully deducted.

If we determine that your net family income is $25,921 or less per year, that you have children, and that you or your spouse receives the Canada Child Benefit, you are considered a member of a low-income family. The Family Supplement may increase your benefit rate to as high as 80% of your average insurable earnings.

How Long You Could Receive Maternity or Parental Benefits

A maximum of 15 weeks of EI maternity benefits is available. Benefits can be paid as early as 12 weeks before the expected date of birth and can end as late as 17 weeks after the actual date of birth. When you receive your pregnancy benefits, you can start applying for parental benefits.

If you want to know more about maternity benefits, please fill out the form below. After receiving your information, our benefits experts will contact you immediately.