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Program · Federal

EI Parental Benefits

Shared between parents, for biological or adoptive children. Choose standard (55% for up to 40 weeks) or extended (33% for up to 69 weeks). Sharing adds 5 or 8 bonus weeks.

Reviewed by Ben Stevenson, Managing Editor, Canadian Money Help Updated April 21, 2026 Methodology

Eligibility

  • Birth or adoption of a child
  • 600+ insured hours in the past 52 weeks for each parent claiming
  • Must be taking time off work to care for the child

Limits and rules

  • Standard: 40 weeks maximum per couple (35 for one parent + 5 sharing bonus)
  • Extended: 69 weeks per couple (61 + 8 sharing bonus)
  • Weekly rate: 55% standard / 33% extended of insurable earnings, capped

Source

Service Canada: EI parental →