Canada’s CRA Maternity & Parental Benefits 2025 provide essential financial support to parents who are away from work to care for their newly born or adopted children.
These benefits aim to ease the financial strain of having a child, helping parents navigate time off work while ensuring they have enough to support their family.
The Employment Insurance (EI) Maternity and Parental Benefits program offers weekly payments to those eligible, covering a portion of their lost wages. In this article, we’ll go over the payment dates, amounts, and eligibility criteria for these benefits.
CRA Maternity & Parental Benefits 2025 – An Overview
The CRA Maternity & Parental Benefits are available to eligible parents and caregivers.
These benefits offer financial support when a parent or caregiver is unable to work due to the responsibility of caring for a newborn or newly adopted child. Below are the essential details of the 2025 program:
| Benefit Name | Eligibility | Amount | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Benefit | For the person who gave birth or is pregnant. | 55% of weekly earnings, up to $695 | Weekly |
| Standard Parental Benefit | For parents caring for a newborn or newly adopted child. | 55% of weekly earnings, up to $695 | Weekly |
| Extended Parental Benefit | For parents who opt for longer parental leave. | 33% of weekly earnings, up to $417 | Weekly |
Eligibility for CRA Maternity & Parental Benefits 2025
The eligibility requirements for the CRA Maternity & Parental Benefits in 2025 depend on several factors. Here’s a breakdown:
Maternity Benefit
- Eligible Claimants: The person who gave birth or is pregnant.
- Qualification: Must have 600 insured working hours within the 52 weeks before applying.
- Claim Duration: 15 weeks of benefits.
Parental Benefit
- Eligible Claimants: The person caring for a newborn or newly adopted child.
- Qualification: Must meet the 600 insured working hours criteria.
- Claim Duration:
- Standard Parental Benefit: 40 weeks (can be shared by both parents, but one parent cannot claim more than 35 weeks).
- Extended Parental Benefit: 69 weeks (can be shared by both parents, but one parent cannot claim more than 61 weeks).
CRA Maternity & Parental Benefit Amounts 2025
The Maternity and Parental Benefits offer weekly payments based on your income. The amount you can receive depends on your earnings and whether you are claiming the standard or extended parental benefit.
| Benefit | Weekly Maximum Rate | Benefit Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Benefit | $695 | 55% of weekly earnings |
| Standard Parental Benefit | $695 | 55% of weekly earnings |
| Extended Parental Benefit | $417 | 33% of weekly earnings |
Family Supplement
Parents may also qualify for the Family Supplement if their annual earnings are $25,921 or less.
To qualify for this additional support, families must be claiming the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and have one child under the age of 18.
How to Apply for Maternity & Parental Benefits
To claim these benefits, follow these steps:
- Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that you have worked for at least 600 hours in the past 52 weeks and that you are either pregnant, gave birth, or are a parent or guardian of a newborn or newly adopted child.
- Register with Service Canada: Use myService Canada or visit a local Service Canada office to start your claim.
- Submit Required Documentation: You may need to provide proof of birth, adoption, or your employment history to confirm your eligibility.
- Check Payment Status: Log in to your myGov account to track your application status and payments.
The CRA Maternity & Parental Benefits 2025 offer essential financial support for new parents in Canada. Whether you are taking time off work due to pregnancy, birth, or adoption, these benefits are designed to ease the financial strain.
By ensuring that you meet the eligibility requirements and following the application process, you can secure these benefits to support your growing family.
Be sure to stay updated on any changes to payment dates and amounts through Service Canada to make the most of this valuable assistance.
FAQs
What is the maximum amount I can receive from Maternity or Parental Benefits in 2025?
The maximum weekly benefit for both Maternity and Standard Parental benefits is $695, while the Extended Parental Benefit offers up to $417 per week.
How long can I claim the Parental Benefit?
The Standard Parental Benefit lasts for 40 weeks, while the Extended Parental Benefit can be claimed for 69 weeks.
How can I check if I’m eligible for the Family Supplement?
You may qualify for the Family Supplement if your family’s annual income is $25,921 or less, and you are claiming the Canada Child Benefit with one child under 18 years of age.