Free new-parent guide · PE
Having a Baby in Prince Edward Island (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 Prince Edward Island, from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.
Step 1: Register the birth
Vital Statistics (Justice & Public Safety) · within Sign at hospital before discharge (see Access PEI for current requirements)
No formal day-count published. The birth registration Statement of Birth must be signed at the hospital before discharge. The baby must be named.
The bundle includes:
Via Statement of Birth at hospital: PEI Health Card, SIN, and CCB (baby must be named)
Birth certificate: $25 (standard) / $35 (detailed)
Vital Statistics (Justice & Public Safety) →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 + PEI 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 →PEI Child Benefit
Delivered through the federal CCB payment (CRA). New for 2026-27.
Step 4: Newborn health card (PEI Health Card)
Included in the birth-registration bundle
PEI Health Card enrollment for the newborn is included via the Statement of Birth signed at the hospital.
Step 5: Parental leave & EI benefits
Job-protected leave (Prince Edward Island Employment Standards)
- Pregnancy/maternity leave: 17 weeks
- Parental leave: 62 weeks (up to 5 additional weeks possible; maternity + parental combined maximum: 78 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: Prince Edward Island
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.
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Last updated: July 2026