There are four types of benefits under the Québec Parental Insurance Plan:
Maternity benefits
Maternity benefits are exclusively for the woman who gave birth. They cannot be shared between the two parents. This person is also entitled to parental benefits.
Paternity benefits
Paternity benefits are exclusively for the father. They cannot be shared between the two parents. The father is also entitled to parental benefits.
Parental benefits
The total number of parental benefit weeks may be taken by one of the two parents, or shared between them as they see fit. Parents may take these weeks simultaneously or in succession.
Adoption benefits
The total number of adoption benefit weeks may be taken by one of the two adoptive parents, or shared between them as they see fit. Adoptive parents may take these weeks simultaneously or in succession.
The income replacement percentage and maximum number of benefit weeks depends on the type of benefit and plan selected.