QPIP: the 2026 guide to Quebec Parental Insurance (RQAP)

Who qualifies for QPIP?

You must live in Quebec when benefits start, have stopped working or seen your earnings drop by at least 40%, and have earned at least $2,000 of insurable income during the reference period (usually the last 52 weeks). Both employees and self-employed workers can qualify.

Basic plan or special plan

When you apply, you choose between two plans. The basic plan gives more weeks at a lower rate; the special plan gives fewer weeks at 75% of income. The first parent to apply sets the plan for both parents.

• Basic plan — maternity: 18 weeks at 70%
• Basic plan — paternity: 5 weeks at 70%
• Basic plan — parental: 7 weeks at 70% then 25 weeks at 55%, shareable
• Special plan — maternity 15 weeks, paternity 3 weeks, parental 25 weeks, all at 75%
• Extra weeks can be added when parents share the parental weeks (check the conditions on rqap.gouv.qc.ca).

Calculation: weekly benefit example

Benefits are based on your average weekly income, capped at the maximum insurable income: $103,000 in 2026 ($98,000 in 2025). Simplified example: on a $65,000 salary, average weekly income is about $1,250. On the basic plan, 70% is about $875 gross per week, then 55% is about $688. On the special plan, 75% is about $938. Benefits are taxable.

This calculation is an educational estimate; the exact amount is set by QPIP based on your actual income.

Planning the family budget during the leave

Moving from 70% to 55% on the basic plan can cut household income by several hundred dollars a month. Before the birth, run your budget on the reduced income, build an emergency cushion of two to three months of expenses, and include the Quebec Family Allowance and the Canada Child Benefit, which add to income.

How to apply

You apply online on the QPIP website, starting no earlier than the first day of your leave. Have your record of employment or self-employment income ready.