Same-sex spouses are entitled to benefits.
Not available to men, as these benefits are exclusively for biological mothers.
Available to the biological father only.
Available to the biological father only.
Available to both adoptive spouses.
Two spouses who adopt one or more children can share the benefits as they see fit. However, if only one of the spouses adopts one or more children, the benefits will be paid to the adoptive father only.
Benefits can be granted to the man who adopts his spouse’s biological child.
The table below indicates the maximum number of benefit weeks and percentage of average weekly earnings for each type of benefit, depending on the plan chosen.
| Types of benefits | Basic Plan | Special Plan | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum number of benefit weeks | Percentage of average weekly income | Maximum number of benefit weeks | Percentage of average weekly income | |
| Paternity | 5 | 70 % | 3 | 75 % |
| Parental | 7 | 70 % | 25 | 75 % |
| 25 (7+25=32) |
55 % | |||
| Adoption | 12 | 70 % | 28 | 75 % |
| 25 (12+25=37) |
55 % | |||
To find out the estimated amount of benefits to which you may be entitled, you can try the benefit calculation simulator before applying.
Last update: 2009-06-11
