📅 2026 MATERNITY LEAVE RULES · EI · FMLA · SMP
🤱 Maternity Leave Waiting Period 2026
Canada · United States · United Kingdom
Calculate your statutory waiting period & benefit start date. Tailored for employees, freelancers, and self‑employed parents.
🇨🇦 Canada EI Waiting Period Calculator
Service Canada 2026 — 1‑week unpaid waiting period
⏳ Waiting period determination:
1 week unpaid
Your first benefit payment would cover the week after the waiting period.
* Based on 2026 regulations. Click calculate to refresh results.
⚠️ Important 2026 Update (Canada): The EI waiting period remains 1 week for all maternity and parental claims. Self‑employed must opt into EI 12 months prior.
📘 Country‑specific guide
Waiting periods & freelancer essentials
🇨🇦 Canada (EI) — 1‑week unpaid waiting period. Benefit: 55% of insurable earnings up to $695/week (2026). Self‑employed? Opt‑in required before leave.
🇺🇸 United States — No federal paid leave. State programs: CA, NY, RI have 7‑day waiting; MA, WA, CO, NJ have 0 days. FMLA is unpaid job protection.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — No statutory waiting period. SMP: first 6 weeks 90% pay, then £184.03 or 90%. Maternity Allowance for self‑employed.
📌 Cross‑border freelancers & gig workers: In Canada, opt into EI. In US, consider private disability insurance. In UK, pay Class 2 NICs for Maternity Allowance.
* This tool provides educational estimates. Always verify with official authorities (Service Canada, DOL, HMRC). Updated for 2026 known legislative framework.