Free new-parent guide · AB
Having a Baby in Alberta (2026): Paperwork Checklist
Facts checked July 2026 · See what changed · How we check
Here is everything you need to do after your baby arrives in Alberta, from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.
Step 1: Register the birth
Vital Statistics (Service Alberta), Online Birth Registration System (OBRS) · within As soon as possible; a delayed process applies after 1 year
Register as soon as possible after birth. A delayed birth registration process is required if registering after 1 year.
The bundle includes:
OBRS online bundle: birth registration, CCB, SIN, and birth certificate
Birth certificate: $40
Vital Statistics (Service Alberta), Online Birth Registration System (OBRS) →Step 2: Baby's Social Insurance Number (SIN)
The SIN can usually be applied for through the birth-registration bundle. If you did not include it in the bundle, apply directly to Service Canada. No fee.
Service Canada SIN application →Step 3: Canada Child Benefit + Alberta Child and Family Benefit
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Apply via: (a) the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) during birth registration , no separate proof of birth needed; (b) CRA My Account under “Apply for child benefits”; or (c) Form RC66 by mail. CCB is income-tested. Both parents must file taxes. First payment within approximately 8 weeks.
CCB overview at canada.ca →Alberta Child and Family Benefit
Paid quarterly; income-tested. Assessed automatically when you apply for CCB.
Step 4: Newborn health card (AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan))
Separate application required
Apply for the baby's AHCIP health card separately through an Alberta registry agent. It is not included in the birth registration bundle.
Step 5: Parental leave & EI benefits
Job-protected leave (Alberta Employment Standards)
- Pregnancy/maternity leave: 16 weeks
- Parental leave: 62 weeks
EI maternity + parental benefits (the money)
- Maternity: 15 weeks
- Parental (standard): up to 40 weeks shared (max 35 per parent) at 55% of insurable earnings
- Parental (extended): up to 69 weeks shared (max 61 per parent) at 33% of insurable earnings
- Waiting period: 1 week
Apply early: Apply at Service Canada as soon as you stop working. Waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day of work can result in lost benefits.
2026 weekly maximums: approximately $729 (standard) / $437 (extended). These figures update each January; verify current rates at canada.ca.
EI maternity/parental at canada.ca →Step 6: Optional: start an RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) lets the federal government add money to your child's education savings:
- CESG:Government adds 20% on contributions up to $2,500/year (max $500/year; lifetime max $7,200/child). 2026 rate; verify at canada.ca.
- CLB:For lower-income families: $500 in the first year plus $100/year until age 15 (up to $2,000 total). No contributions required to receive the CLB. 2026 income thresholds; verify at canada.ca.
Free download
New-Parent Paperwork Checklist: Alberta
Download a printable PDF checklist covering all steps above: birth registration, SIN, CCB, health card, parental leave, and RESP.
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
Other provinces
Last updated: July 2026