Québec Parental Insurance Plan

Québec Parental
Insurance Plan
Evolving with today’s parents!

Maternity Benefits

Maternity benefits are available exclusively to the woman who gave birth. They cannot be shared between both parents.

The person who receives maternity benefits may also be entitled to parental benefits.

In a case of a termination of pregnancy, the person may be entitled to maternity benefits only.

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

Maternity (exclusively for the woman who gave birth)

Maximum of 18 weeks.

Weekly benefit: 70% of the average weekly earnings

Maximum of 15 weeks.

Weekly benefit: 75% of the average weekly earnings

Parental (may be shared between the parents)

Maximum of 32 weeks.

Weekly benefit:

  • 70% of the average weekly earnings for the first 7 weeks
  • 55% of the average weekly earnings for the other 25 weeks.

Maximum of 25 weeks.

Weekly benefit: 75% of the average weekly earnings

Example 1 :

Under the basic plan, a mother may receive a maximum of 50 benefit weeks, i.e., 18 weeks of maternity benefits and 32 weeks of parental benefits if the father agrees that she alone receives all parental benefits.

Example 2 :

Under the special plan, a mother may receive a maximum of 40 benefit weeks, i.e., 15 weeks of maternity benefits and 25 weeks of parental benefits if the father agrees that she 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.

You must agree with your employer on the time of your leave. The Act respecting labour standards has provisions on leave for family events. For more information, contact the Service des renseignements of the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) at one of the following number: 1 844 838-0808 (toll free). You can also visit the CNESST website.

Important

If you apply for benefits before your child is born, you are required upon birth to send us the information on his or her identity as per the birth certificate (family name, first name, date of birth and gender). This information is required for payment of the parental benefits.

You can enter this information directly into your online file or call the Centre de service à la clientèle.

Last update: February 25, 2015