Parental Insurance learning center (QPIP & EI)
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Quebec
self employed

Benefit amounts | Self employed

To find out the estimated amount of benefits to which you may be entitled, use the benefit calculation simulator. The calculator asks you to respond to a series of questions about your situation and to estimate your household salary. It then provides a gross estimate of the benefit amount you will receive.

The benefit amount is notably based on:

  1. The qualifying period: The qualifying period is the period for which your earnings are taken into account to set your benefit amount. This is generally the calendar year preceding your benefit period (e.g. 2023 if your benefits begin in 2024).

    1. If this is the first year of your business activities, the qualifying period is the calendar year in which your benefit period begins. (e.g. Maria started her business in 2023, around the same time she got pregnant. She goes on maternity leave in October 2023. Her qualifying period is the year 2023; her income during this year will be used to calculate the benefit amount she receives).

    2. More information specific to self-employed workers can be found here. 

  2. Your earnings: The benefit amount you receive depends on your earnings, and the way your earnings are calculated depends on your situation. Generally speaking, your earnings will be the amount of income, profits, or losses that you entered in Schedule L (lines 22 to 26) of your Quebec income tax return for the calendar year preceding the year in which your benefits begin (e.g. 2023 if your benefits begin in 2024).

    1. See here if you started your business this year, or if you provided a family type resource or an intermediate resource.

  3. The selected plan: Parents can choose between the Basic Plan or the Special plan. They differ in the duration of leave and the percentage of income replaced. You can receive lower benefits for a longer period or higher benefits for a shorter period.

  4. An increase in benefits: You may be eligible for an increased amount if:

    1. Your net family income is less than $25,921 for the taxation year in question; you will need to request that this be taken into account in your application.

    2. Your average weekly earnings are less than the equivalent of a normal work week of 40 hours paid at minimum wage. This will be assessed automatically.