Free new-parent guide · NL
Having a Baby in Newfoundland & Labrador (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 Newfoundland & Labrador, from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.
Step 1: Register the birth
Vital Statistics Division, Digital Government & Service NL · within 30 days
The bundle includes:
Bundled Birth Services: MCP, SIN, CCB, NL Child Benefit, and Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement (sign Section 6 of the registration form)
Birth certificate: $35 (mail) / $30 (online)
Vital Statistics Division, Digital Government & Service NL →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 + NL Child 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 →NL Child Benefit
Delivered through the federal CCB payment (CRA). The Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement is also available via the birth registration bundle.
Step 4: Newborn health card (MCP (Medical Care Plan))
Included in the birth-registration bundle
MCP enrollment for the newborn is included by signing Section 6 of the birth registration form.
Step 5: Parental leave & EI benefits
Job-protected leave (Newfoundland & Labrador Employment Standards)
- Pregnancy/maternity leave: 17 weeks
- Parental leave: 61 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: Newfoundland & Labrador
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