Taking time off work: For new and expecting parents
Part Two: Employment Insurance benefits
You might be able to get Employment Insurance (EI) maternity or parental benefits if your weekly earnings have gone down by more than 40% because you are pregnant or caring for your new child.
If you are self-employed, you can apply for these benefits if you have paid EI premiums for at least 12 months. To make arrangements to pay premiums as a self‑employed worker, you must set up an online account. Go to www.canada.ca and enter "MSCA" in the search box to find My Service Canada Account.