👶 QPIP Parental Leave Estimator (2026)
Estimate your weekly + total Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (RQAP) benefits.
Your QPIP benefit estimates (2026)
| Plan | Weekly benefit | Total leave / max |
|---|
Max insurable earnings 2026: $98,000. Basic plan = lower weekly amount, more weeks. Special plan = higher weekly, fewer weeks. Both apply to one parent independently. Choice is irrevocable per pregnancy/adoption.
How QPIP works for Quebec parents in 2026
Quick answer: Quebec’s Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP, or RQAP) pays new parents 55%–75% of their weekly insurable earnings while on leave. Up to 50 weeks combined on the basic plan or 40 weeks on the special plan. Maximum insurable earnings in 2026: $98,000 (max weekly benefit ~$1,318).
Basic plan vs Special plan
| Type | Basic plan | Special plan |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity (birth mother only) | 18 weeks @ 70% | 15 weeks @ 75% |
| Paternity (non-birth parent only) | 5 weeks @ 70% | 3 weeks @ 75% |
| Parental (shared between parents) | 7 wks @ 70% + 25 wks @ 55% | 25 weeks @ 75% |
| Adoption (shared between parents) | 13 wks @ 70% + 24 wks @ 55% | 28 weeks @ 75% |
| Total combined max | 50 weeks | 40 weeks |
Why choose the basic plan
- You want more time off (50 vs 40 weeks)
- Spreading income over more weeks reduces tax burden
- You’re planning to extend leave with unpaid weeks
Why choose the special plan
- You’re returning to work sooner (financial necessity)
- Higher weekly cash flow is critical (mortgage, expenses)
- Your spouse is also taking long parental leave
Daycare planning around QPIP
QPIP basic plan + maternity + parental = up to 50 weeks (almost 12 months). Most Quebec parents return to work at month 11–12, which aligns with kids becoming eligible for CPE waitlist activation. Apply to La Place 0-5 during pregnancy — Montreal waitlists are 6–24 months.
QPIP Quebec FAQ
How much is QPIP maternity leave in Quebec?
For 2026, birth mothers on the basic plan receive 18 weeks at 70% of insurable weekly earnings, capped at $98,000 annual income (~$1,318/week max). On the special plan, 15 weeks at 75%. Both plans then continue with parental benefits shared with the other parent.
How long is parental leave in Quebec?
Combined maternity + paternity + parental leave can be up to 50 weeks on the QPIP basic plan, or 40 weeks on the special plan. The plan is shared between the two parents and the time can be taken simultaneously or sequentially.
Who pays into QPIP?
All Quebec employees, employers, and self-employed workers contribute. 2026 rates: 0.494% (employee), 0.692% (employer), 0.878% (self-employed). The maximum annual contribution per worker is $484.
Can my spouse and I be on QPIP at the same time?
Yes. Both parents can claim QPIP benefits simultaneously for any of the shared parental weeks. Many Quebec couples overlap for the first 5 weeks (paternity + maternity) then alternate to maximize total weeks of family income.
Is QPIP taxable income?
Yes. QPIP benefits are subject to federal and Quebec income tax. Tax is automatically withheld from benefit payments. You’ll receive a T4E and Relevé 6 in February for the previous year’s payments.
Can I work while on QPIP?
You can earn some income while receiving QPIP benefits, but it reduces your benefits dollar-for-dollar above an exemption (~25% of your weekly benefit). For most parents, taking on freelance work clawbacks the benefit. Returning to a regular job stops benefits entirely.
How do I apply for QPIP?
Apply online at rqap.gouv.qc.ca within 12 weeks of birth/adoption. You need: SIN, baby’s birth certificate or adoption papers, ROE (Record of Employment) from your employer, banking info for direct deposit. Approval takes 2–3 weeks. First payment usually within 4 weeks of approval.
Related Montreal tools
Sources: Régime québécois d’assurance parentale (RQAP) 2026 rates. Estimates for orientation only — verify on rqap.gouv.qc.ca.