Free new-parent guide · QC
Having a Baby in Quebec (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 Quebec, from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.
Step 1: Register the birth
Directeur de l'état 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'état civil. No SIN/CCB bundle, apply for SIN and CCB separately.
Birth certificate: $38.50 (online)
Directeur de l'état 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, which 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: July 2026