Free new-parent guide · ON
Having a Baby in Ontario (2026): Paperwork Checklist
Here is everything you need to do after your baby arrives in Ontario — from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.
Step 1 — Register the birth
ServiceOntario / Registrar General · within 30 days
Registration is free within 12 months. A $50 late fee applies after 12 months.
The bundle includes:
5-in-1 online bundle: birth registration, birth certificate, SIN, CCB application, and education-savings referral
Birth certificate: $25 (birth certificate) / $35 (certified copy)
ServiceOntario / Registrar General →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 + Ontario 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 →Ontario Child Benefit
Auto-calculated by CRA when you apply for CCB. No separate application needed.
Step 4 — Newborn health card (OHIP)
Separate application required
OHIP for the baby is a separate step from the birth registration bundle. Apply at ServiceOntario -- see ontario.ca for the current process.
Step 5 — Parental leave & EI benefits
Job-protected leave (Ontario Employment Standards)
- Pregnancy/maternity leave: 17 weeks
- Parental leave: 61 weeks (if took pregnancy leave) / 63 weeks (others)
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 — Ontario
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: June 2026