Planning of Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) Benefit Weeks for a Pregnancy or Birth

Before applying for benefits, you must determine when you want to receive your benefits.

Maternity benefits or exclusive benefits to the person experiencing pregnancy or childbirth may begin no sooner than 16 weeks before the expected week of delivery. Unless an exception applies, they must end no later than 20 weeks after your child’s birth.

The following benefits may begin no sooner than the week of the child’s birth:

• Paternity benefits or exclusive benefits to the parent who did not give birth
• Exclusives parental benefits
• Shareable parental benefits

Unless an exception applies, they must end no later than 78 weeks (18 months) after your child’s birth.

You may choose how to use and arrange your benefit weeks. They may be taken at the same time by both parents or at different times within the prescribed period. It is possible to divide benefit weeks in order to accommodate the needs and constraints of each parent.

For example, if your child was born on a Wednesday and you worked on the Monday and Tuesday, you may start your benefits on the Sunday just before the birth and declare your earnings for the Monday and Tuesday. The other option is to start your benefits on the Sunday following the birth. Choose the option that best suits your personal situation.

When completing your application, you are not required to choose all your benefit weeks at once. You may add, change or cancel benefit weeks by accessing your online file or by contacting the Centre de service à la clientèle.

To better understand benefit weeks, see the examples of benefit week planning.  

You must inform your employer of when you plan to take leave, whether or not you are eligible for parental insurance benefit weeks.  

You must see the list and terms and conditions that apply to family-related leave.