Are you about to become a parent? Whether you're expecting or in the process of adopting, the Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) offers several options. Here's what you need to know.
Who qualifies for QPIP benefits?
Benefits are issued to parents for pregnancy, birth or adoption.
To be eligible for QPIP, you must:
- Be a resident of Québec;
- Have stopped working or seen a significant reduction in your usual employment income;
- Have at least $2,000 in work income during the qualifying period (usually the 52 weeks before benefits begin);
- Have paid into QPIP during the qualifying period.
Other eligibility conditions may apply, depending on your worker status: wage earner, self-employed worker or both. Before applying for benefits, make sure to determine your status.
Not eligible for QPIP? All working parents are entitled to take unpaid leave for pregnancy, birth or adoption.
Benefits tailored to your situation
Some benefits can only be paid to the mother or father, but others can be shared, depending on the type.
During pregnancy or after childbirth, you may receive these benefits:
- Maternity: 15 to 18 weeks reserved for mothers who are pregnant or have given birth;
- Paternity: 3 to 5 weeks reserved for the parent (male or female) who has not given birth;
- Parental: 25 to 36 weeks shared between the parents.
If you adopt a child, these benefits may be paid to you:
- Adoption: 3 to 5 weeks reserved for each parent, then 25 to 36 weeks shared between them;
- Welcome and support: 12 or 13 weeks, shared between the parents.
Additional benefits (3 to 5 weeks per parent) are available to a single parent or for a multiple birth or an adoption.
Amount and duration of benefits: the choice is yours
You have to choose between two plans. Under the basic plan, you receive benefits for a longer period, while under the special plan your benefits are higher.
The benefit amount is also based on:
- Your income;
- The reference period used to establish your income;
- The type of benefits paid;
- An increase in your benefits, if your family income is low.
Benefits may be paid up to 18 months after the birth or adoption. They may start as early as the week of birth or the arrival of the adopted child, except in the case of:
- Maternity benefits, which must be paid between 16 weeks before the expected date of birth and 20 weeks after the birth;
- Benefits for adoptions outside Québec, which may begin 5 weeks before the child's arrival date.
To find out which plan works best for you, use the online benefit calculation simulator. You can use it to estimate the amount of benefits you could receive depending on the plan you choose.
Any questions or problems?
To find out about all available options, visit the QPIP website.
Dissatisfied with QPIP services? Contact the Protecteur du citoyen. Our services are confidential and free of charge.
