QPIP (Quebec Parental Insurance Plan)
QPIP is Quebec's parental insurance plan providing maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption benefits to eligible Quebec workers. It replaces the maternity and parental benefits that EI provides in other provinces, offering higher benefit rates and more flexible options.
QPIP offers two plans: the Basic Plan (longer duration at lower replacement rate — typically 70% of average weekly earnings for maternity and 55% for parental) and the Special Plan (shorter duration at higher replacement rate — 75% for maternity and 75% for parental). Paternity benefits are unique to QPIP and not available through EI.
QPIP is funded through separate premiums paid by Quebec employees and employers — Revenu Québec publishes current-year rates and the Maximum Insurable Earnings annually (see the /t4-box/55/ page for this year's values). Because QPIP covers parental benefits, Quebec workers pay reduced EI premiums. Self-employed Quebec workers also contribute to QPIP and are eligible for benefits, unlike the EI system where self-employed opt-in is voluntary.
Related Terms
EI (Employment Insurance)
Employment Insurance provides temporary income support to Canadian workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, are sick, are pregnant, or are caring for a newborn or adopted child.
CPP (Canada Pension Plan)
CPP is a contributory, earnings-related social insurance program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Revenu Québec
Revenu Québec is the provincial government agency that administers Quebec's tax laws, including the provincial income tax return (TP-1), Quebec Sales Tax (QST), and the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP).