Introduction
If you’re going to have a baby or adopt a child, Ontario law says that you can take time off work without losing your job. This is called taking a leave of absence or just a leave.
Your employer does not have to pay you during a leave. But they have to give you back your job or give you a similar job when you return.
If you have worked enough hours to qualify for Employment Insurance (EI), you can get EI benefits for some of the time you’re on leave. In 2026, the most you can get is $729 a week, up from $695 in 2025.
There are 2 types of leaves and benefits for new parents.
Parental leave and benefits are for parents who have a newborn child or who have just adopted a child. For adopting parents, the child can be 17 years of age or younger.
Pregnancy leave and maternity benefits are only for people who are pregnant or who have just given birth. If you give birth to your child, you can get both types of leaves and benefits.
For a summary of what leaves and EI benefits you can get, read the chart here.
This resource has 3 parts:
- Part 1: Leaves of absence
- Part 2: Employment Insurance benefits
- Part 3: Where can I get help and more information?
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