QPIP vs EI: parental benefits in Quebec and the rest of Canada
Quick summary
If you live in Quebec, maternity, paternity, parental and adoption benefits come from the Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), not Employment Insurance. Everywhere else in Canada they come from EI. QPIP lets you pick a Basic plan (more weeks, lower pay) or a Special plan (fewer weeks, higher pay). EI offers a Standard option and an Extended option. Compare your income with the benefit payment dates and other supports.
Checked November 3, 2026. Main source: Québec: Choice of plan and types of benefits for a pregnancy or birth (updated Oct. 22, 2026). See all 4 sources.
The two QPIP plans
QPIP pays a share of your average weekly earnings. The share and the number of weeks depend on the plan you choose.
| Type of benefit | Basic plan | Special plan |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity (the person who gave birth) | 18 weeks at 70% | 15 weeks at 75% |
| Paternity (the other parent) | 5 weeks at 70% | 3 weeks at 75% |
| Parental (shared between parents) | 32 weeks: first 7 at 70%, next 25 at 55% | 25 weeks at 75% |
| Added weeks for the shared parental benefit | 4 more weeks at 55% | 3 more weeks at 75% |
| Adds up to (maternity + paternity + shared parental) | 55 weeks | 43 weeks |
The totals are our addition of the weeks printed on the Québec page. The page also lists extra weeks for multiple births and for single parents.
Who qualifies for QPIP
- You need at least $2,000 of insurable earnings during the qualifying period, however many hours you worked.
- Employees must have stopped work or seen their usual weekly pay fall by at least 40%.
- Self-employed workers must have stopped their business or cut the time they spend on it by at least 40%.
- You must have paid, or owe, QPIP or EI contributions during the qualifying period.
- You must live in Quebec when your benefit period starts.
A worked example
Say your average weekly earnings are $1,000. These totals are before tax and are only an example. The real amount is set by your own earnings and the plan rules.
| Benefit | Math | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Basic plan maternity | 18 weeks × $700 (70%) | $12,600 |
| Special plan maternity | 15 weeks × $750 (75%) | $11,250 |
| Basic plan, first 7 shared parental weeks | 7 weeks × $700 (70%) | $4,900 |
| Basic plan, next 25 shared parental weeks | 25 weeks × $550 (55%) | $13,750 |
| Special plan, shared parental weeks | 25 weeks × $750 (75%) | $18,750 |
The Québec page sets a yearly maximum on earnings that count: $103,000 for 2026. It did not state a maximum weekly benefit on the page we read, so we do not print one.
How EI compares outside Quebec
In the rest of Canada, the same type of leave is paid by Employment Insurance. The Canada.ca page gives these 2026 figures.
| EI option | Pay rate | Most per week in 2026 | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 55% of average insured weekly earnings | $729 | 15 maternity; 35 parental per parent, or 40 if shared |
| Extended | 33% of average insured weekly earnings | $437 | 61 parental per parent |
The Canada.ca page also says Quebec residents get these benefits from the Quebec plan. The EI page shows a modified date of 2024 but states the 2026 weekly maximums, so check the live page before you plan.
How to choose a QPIP plan
The Basic plan gives more weeks at a lower rate. The Special plan gives fewer weeks at a higher rate. Use the example table above with your own weekly earnings to see the totals side by side.
Check how your employer tops up pay, if it does, and what your household can manage on a lower weekly amount.
Questions people ask
Does Quebec use EI for parental leave?
No. The Canada.ca page says Quebec provides these benefits to its residents through the Québec Parental Insurance Plan.
How much does QPIP pay?
A share of your average weekly earnings: 70% or 55% on the Basic plan, 75% on the Special plan, depending on the type of benefit and week.
How many weeks does QPIP pay?
Adding maternity, paternity and shared parental weeks gives 55 weeks on the Basic plan and 43 on the Special plan, plus extra weeks in some cases.
Who can get QPIP?
You need at least $2,000 of insurable earnings, a work stoppage or a drop of at least 40% in your pay or business time, and Quebec residency when the benefit period starts.
What is the EI weekly maximum for parental benefits?
For 2026 the Canada.ca page lists $729 a week on the Standard option and $437 on the Extended option.
Can I switch between the QPIP Basic and Special plans?
The Québec page we read describes the choice of plan but not switching rules, so confirm with QPIP before you apply.