Paternity benefits are available exclusively to the biological father. They cannot be shared between both parents.
The biological father may also be entitled to parental benefits.
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.
| Type 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 (exclusively for the biological father) |
5 | 70 % | 3 | 75 % |
| Parental (may be shared between the biological parents) |
7 | 70 % | 25 | 75 % |
| 25 (7+25=32) |
55 % | |||
Example 1 :
Under the basic plan, a father may receive a maximum of 37 benefit weeks, i.e., 5 weeks of paternity benefits and 32 weeks of parental benefits if the mother agrees that he alone receives all parental benefits.
Example 2 :
Under the special plan, a father may receive a maximum of 28 benefit weeks, i.e., 3 weeks of paternity benefits and 25 weeks of parental benefits if the mother agrees that he alone receives all parental benefits.
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: 2013-04-17
