This page is an educational starting point. It helps you organise a question and see the facts that should be confirmed; it does not make the decision for you.
- 01
Confirm whether the federal EI route or Quebec’s separate program applies before using a calculator.
- 02
Write down essential household costs, expected other income, and savings you are actually willing to use.
- 03
Compare a standard and extended illustration using the same household picture; do not treat either as an official determination.
- 04
Confirm employer top-up, application timing, shared weeks, and official benefit details before making a final plan.
Money Journal does not determine EI or QPIP eligibility, benefit amount, application outcome, employer top-up, or legal employment rights.
Money Journal links to first-party Canadian information where a high-impact fact needs confirmation.
Government of Canada EI maternity and parental benefit information