Key Takeaways:
- You can change your leave length.
- EI doesn’t give you more money for 18 months — it just stretches the same amount thinner.
- If you have a partner, your choice will impact the time available to them.
- Childcare constraints are real — your timeline may be shaped by what’s actually available.
Now that extended 18 month parental leaves are an option in Canada, how do we choose?
Canadian parents have the choice of taking the standard (12 month) parental leave or an extended (18 month) leave.
Although it’s great to have options, how does one choose? Here are four things to consider when deciding what length of parental leave is right for you.
Can You Change Your Mind About Leave Length?
Know that you can change your mind.
If you start with 12 months then decide later that you would like to extend your parental leave to 18 months, your job will still be protected. Just make sure you give the right amount of notice to your employer and to Service Canada – all things we cover in our My Parental Leave ebook!
EI Payments: 12 Months vs 18 Months
Money.
The total amount of your Employment Insurance (EI) benefits is the same whether you take 12 or 18 month parental leaves. The payments just get divided up over 12 months vs 18 months. Oftentimes, people select the 12 month leave option initially so they can receive higher monthly payments for that first year, even though they plan to take the full 18 months of leave. In these cases, the parent on leave would not receive any EI payments for the final six months.
How Partner Leave Is Affected
If you have a partner, will they be taking any parental leave?
The length of your parental leave will impact how many weeks of leave will be available for your partner. For example, if you opt for the standard leave (12 months), your partner is also entitled to a portion of that leave if you choose to split it. If you decide to take an extended leave (18 months), your partner will be entitled to longer leave as well. Make sure you sit down and look at the options together!
Daycare and Childcare Considerations
It’s often easier to find childcare for an 18 month-old than a one-year old. Some daycares don’t accept children until they are toddlers and unfortunately, most daycares have long wait lists. With careful planning you can find the right care for your child, but this is an important consideration. You may also want to consult local parenting groups on the childcare options in your area.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
The 12 versus 18 month parental leave option is just one of the important decisions you will make as a new parent. These are not choices your employer or your friend can make for you!
FAQ
Should I take 12 or 18 months maternity leave?
It really comes down to what matters most to you—money, time, and logistics. The 12-month option gives you bigger monthly payments and gets you back to work sooner, while the 18-month option means more time with your baby and potentially easier (and cheaper) childcare later on.
How does parental leave affect my partner’s leave?
Your choice between 12 and 18 months impacts how many weeks your partner can take if you plan to share parental leave. Extended leave allows for more shared time.
What should I consider when choosing between 12-18 months?
Key factors include your financial situation, childcare availability, whether your partner will take leave, and your personal preferences for time at home.
Can I change the length of my maternity leave?
Self-employed mums can choose to extend their own maternity leave beyond 52 weeks. However, you won't get paid for longer than 39 weeks, which is the maximum length of time you can claim maternity allowance for.
Still not sure which leave length is best for you?
Download our free My Parental Leave ebook for tools, calculators, and expert guidance to help you make the right decision for your family.
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