Free new-parent guide · QC
Having a Baby in Quebec (2026): Paperwork Checklist
Here is everything you need to do after your baby arrives in Quebec — from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.
Step 1 — Register the birth
Directeur de l'etat civil · within 30 days
Late fees apply: $66.50 after 30 days; $135 after 1 year.
Two-step process:
Two steps: (1) Attestation of Birth -- issued by the hospital; (2) Declaration of Birth -- submitted online or on paper to the Directeur de l'etat civil. No SIN/CCB bundle -- apply for SIN and CCB separately.
Birth certificate: $38.50 (online)
Directeur de l'etat civil →Step 2 — Baby's Social Insurance Number (SIN)
In Quebec, the SIN is not included in the birth-registration bundle. Apply directly to Service Canada (online, by mail, or in person). No fee.
Service Canada SIN application →Step 3 — Canada Child Benefit + Family Allowance
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Apply via: (a) the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) during birth registration (not available in Quebec — apply separately); (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 →Quebec: Family Allowance (Allocation famille)
Quebec residents also receive the Family Allowance through Retraite Quebec — this is separate from the federal CCB and is not administered by CRA.
Retraite Quebec Family Allowance →Step 4 — Newborn health card (RAMQ)
Automatic (RAMQ)
RAMQ automatically enrolls the baby when a parent is already RAMQ-registered and the Declaration of Birth is received.
Step 5 — Parental leave & QPIP/RQAP benefits
Quebec Parental Leave (job protection)
Quebec's job-protected leave entitlements are set by CNESST and were not independently verified for this guide — see the official CNESST page for current pregnancy, paternity, and parental leave weeks.
CNESST parental leave (Quebec) →QPIP / RQAP (the money)
Quebec residents apply for maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption benefits through the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP / RQAP) — not through Service Canada EI. Apply as soon as you stop working.
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 — Quebec
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: June 2026