Standard pays more each week
Standard parental benefits pay 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to $729 a week in 2026. One parent can receive up to 35 weeks.
Make the choice with the whole picture.
The weekly payment is only one part of the decision. Duration, sharing, taxes and workplace leave rules can all change the plan that fits your family.
Extended spreads it out
Extended parental benefits pay 33%, up to $437 a week in 2026. One parent can receive up to 61 weeks. The lower weekly amount can make cash flow tighter.
Sharing adds weeks
Two eligible parents can share up to 40 standard or 69 extended weeks. Neither parent can take more than 35 standard or 61 extended weeks.
How the 2026 estimate works
Service Canada calculates an average from a number of your highest-paid insurable weeks. The number of “best weeks” depends on the unemployment rate where you live and can be between 14 and 22. This tool simplifies that step by using the average weekly earnings you enter.
| Benefit | Rate | 2026 weekly cap |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 55% | $729 |
| Standard parental | 55% | $729 |
| Extended parental | 33% | $437 |
Before you lock it in
- Both parents must choose the same parental option when sharing.
- The option cannot change after a parental payment is made.
- Each parent submits their own application.
- Job-protected leave is separate from EI benefits; check the rules that apply to your workplace.
What this estimate leaves out
- Income-tax deductions
- Employer top-ups
- The EI family supplement
- Earnings while on claim
- Eligibility or claim approval
Family supplement
Service Canada says you may qualify for an automatic family supplement when annual net family income is $25,921 or less, you have at least one child under 18, and you or your spouse receive the Canada Child Benefit. The total weekly payment still cannot exceed the 2026 maximum of $729. This calculator does not estimate that supplement.