The maternity benefits can start as early as 16 weeks before your due date, and it is only for the mother. The parental leave is for either the mother or the father. Only one of you can take it. Your husband is eligible for the paternity leave and parental leave. He is not eligible for the maternity leave. Payment of paternity and parental benefits may begin no sooner than the week the child is born. So your husband can only stop working after your baby is born. Go to the following web site, if gives you all the information.