In 2025, the Canadian government continues to support parents through Employment Insurance (EI) Parental Benefits, even though it’s often mistakenly referred to as the CRA Parental Benefit. While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) doesn’t directly issue parental benefits, Service Canada administers them under the Employment Insurance umbrella.
Whether you’re welcoming a newborn or adopting a child, these benefits are designed to ease the financial pressure while you’re off work caring for your little one. Here’s a detailed guide that breaks down everything you need to know about CRA Parental Benefit 2025, including eligibility, payment amounts, and how the benefit works.
What is CRA Parental Benefit 2025?
The CRA Parental Benefit 2025 is essentially the EI parental leave program. It gives financial support to eligible parents who need time off work to care for their child.
There are two types of benefits available:
- Standard Parental Benefit: Offers up to 40 weeks of total benefit time. One parent can receive a maximum of 35 weeks.
- Extended Parental Benefit: Provides up to 69 weeks in total, with one parent allowed a maximum of 61 weeks.
Once parents decide on either the standard or extended option and receive the first payment, they cannot change their choice. So, choose wisely!
CRA Parental Benefit 2025 – Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Name | CRA Parental Benefit 2025 (under EI) |
| Country | Canada |
| Administered By | Service Canada / CRA |
| Type of Benefit | Employment Insurance Parental Benefit |
| Eligible Applicants | Working Canadian parents with insurable hours |
| Purpose | Financial aid for new or adoptive parents |
| Weekly Payment (Standard) | Up to $695/week (55% of income) |
| Weekly Payment (Extended) | Up to $417/week (33% of income) |
| Payment Frequency | Bi-weekly (every two weeks) |
| Tax Status | Taxable |
| Official Website | www.canada.ca |
Who Is Eligible for EI Parental Benefit 2025?
To be approved for this benefit in 2025, here’s what you’ll need:
- 600 hours of insurable work in the last 52 weeks or since your last EI claim.
- A reduction of 40% or more in your normal weekly earnings because you’re taking care of your child.
- You must be either the biological or adoptive parent caring for the child.
- If both parents want to receive benefits, each must apply separately and both must opt for the same benefit type (either standard or extended).
- If your net family income is less than $25,921, and your spouse gets the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you may also qualify for a Family Supplement, which boosts your payments.
CRA Parental Benefit Amounts in 2025
| Benefit Type | Rate | Maximum Duration | Weekly Payment Cap (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Parental | 55% | Up to 40 weeks | $695/week |
| Extended Parental | 33% | Up to 69 weeks | $417/week |
👉 Note: When sharing benefits, one parent can claim up to 35 weeks (standard) or 61 weeks (extended).
Duration & Claim Timeline
- Standard Benefits: Can be used within 52 weeks (1 year) from the birth or adoption of the child.
- Extended Benefits: Must be claimed within 78 weeks (18 months).
Payments are typically sent every two weeks, via direct deposit.
FAQs – CRA EI Parental Benefit 2025
Can I switch from standard to extended benefits later?
No. Once you’ve started receiving payments under one option, switching is not allowed.
Is there a waiting period before payments begin?
Normally yes, there’s a 1-week waiting period. But for claims between March 30, 2025, and October 11, 2025, this waiting period is waived.
What is the Family Supplement?
If your net family income is below $25,921, and your spouse gets the CCB, you may qualify for an extra top-up on your parental benefit payments.
How are the payments issued?
Payments are directly deposited into your bank account every two weeks. The dates depend on your claim start date.
Can both parents receive payments at the same time?
Yes! Parents can choose to take their leave together or separately. Just make sure the total number of weeks claimed doesn’t exceed the limit.
Where to check your eligibility or claim status?
You can visit Canada.ca or log in to your CRA account. You can also call CRA customer service for direct assistance.
Final Thoughts
The CRA Parental Benefit 2025, while technically an EI program, is an essential support for growing families across Canada. Whether you choose the standard or extended route, this benefit helps parents balance work and family without facing financial distress. Just make sure to plan ahead, check your eligibility, and decide the type of benefit that works best for your situation.
Let this be one less thing to worry about as you prepare to welcome your new bundle of joy!