Having a baby is one of the most incredible and memorable experiences of a person’s life. But it’s also one of the most expensive.
Most new parents want, and often need, to stay home for a certain amount of time to care for the baby. This means they’re losing out on pay that they otherwise would have collected when working. Plus, the onslaught of expenses that occur when bringing a new baby into the world.
To help with the financial costs of having a baby and being off work, most new parents apply for maternity leave. This payment comes from the government and is designed to help families financially when one income is temporarily on hold to care for an infant.
Maternity Leave In Canada Overview
- Maternity leave is only available to those who are pregnant or have recently had a baby.
- Parental leave can be shared between the parents.
- You can receive maternity leave as early as 12 weeks before your due date.
- You can receive up to 55% of your regular earnings, up to a maximum of $668 per week.
- You will receive your first payment approximately 28 days after your application is received.
What Is Maternity Leave?
Maternity leave offers financial assistance to Canadians who are off work because they’re either pregnant or have recently had a baby. These benefits can last up to 15 weeks and cannot be shared between parents.
Once the initial 15 weeks of maternity leave expires, the individual receiving maternity benefits may receive parental benefits, which are available to the parents of a newborn or newly adopted child.
What Are Parental Benefits?
Parental benefits can be shared between parents who stay home from work to care for their children. There are two types of parental benefits, you can only choose one of the two:
Standard Parental Benefits
These benefits last up to 40 weeks, though one parent is not allowed to receive more than 35 weeks of standard benefits. That means one parent may receive up to 35 weeks in benefits, while the other parent can receive another 5 weeks of standard benefits.
Extended Parental Benefits
Parents may also apply for extended parental benefits, which last up to 69 weeks. However, one parent cannot receive more than 61 weeks.
If both parents decide to share the benefits, each one will have to choose the same option and apply separately. Parents can choose to receive their weeks of benefits simultaneously or one after the other.
Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB)
Certain employers may “top-up” their employee’s EI maternity or parental leave benefits. The purpose of this top-up is to reduce the difference between the employee’s normal income and the income they receive while on EI.
The top-up and EI benefits cannot exceed 100% of the employee’s normal weekly earnings.
Employers are in charge of funding the top-up as well as choosing how much the employee receives and for how long.
When Can You Receive Maternity Leave In Canada?
Eligible parents can begin collecting maternity benefits starting 12 weeks before the due date or the date the baby is born. Parents cannot receive benefits for any longer than 17 weeks after the due date or the date the baby is born, whichever of the two is later.
Eligible parents can begin collecting paternity benefits starting the week of the baby’s date of birth or the week that an adopted child is placed in the care of their new guardian. For standard parental benefits, the period is within 52 weeks, and for extended parental benefits, the period is within 78 weeks.
Who Is Eligible For Employment Insurance Maternity Leave (EI)?
To qualify for maternity leave benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- You’re pregnant or have just had a baby when applying for maternity benefits
- You’re a parent caring for your baby when applying for parental benefits
- Your regular weekly earnings at work have been reduced by over 40% for at least one week
- You worked at least 600 insured hours over the past 52 weeks before starting your claim or since your last claim, whichever is shorter.
How Long Is Maternity Leave In Canada?
In Canada, you can receive maternity leave for 15 weeks. This is only available to Canadians who are pregnant or have given birth.
However, this can be extended through parental leave and extended parental leave. These benefits can be shared between parents.
- Standard Parental Leave – under this benefit, you can get an extra 40 weeks. However, one parent cannot receive more than 35 weeks.
- Extended Parental Leave – under this benefit, you get an extra 69 weeks. However, one parent cannot receive more than 61 weeks.
Note: You can only choose one of the parental benefits. You cannot switch benefits once you’ve received a payment.
How Much Can You Get Through Maternity Leave In Canada?
The exact benefit amount paid out is calculated using a specific number of a person’s highest-paid employment weeks, known as the “best weeks.” The number of best weeks used in the calculation is based on the unemployment rate in the applicant’s specific location, which can range from 14 to 22 weeks.
Those who qualify can get the following benefits:
- Maternity Leave – Get paid up to 55% of their regular earnings, to a maximum of $668 per week.
- Standard Parental Benefit – Get paid up to 55% of their regular earnings for standard parental benefits, to a maximum of $668 per week.
- Extended Parental Benefit – The payout is up to 33% of the parent’s regular earnings and up to $401 per week.
Can You Get Maternity Leave If You’ve Been Laid Off?
Yes, you may still qualify for maternity leave benefits even if you’ve been laid off. However, you must meet the requirements for maternity leave. This includes working 600 insurable hours and being pregnant or being someone who has given birth.
EI Maternity And Parental Benefits Payment Dates
Eligible applicants will receive the first benefits payout within 28 days of the date that the application is received and all required documents are submitted.
Before receiving EI benefits, there is a one-week waiting period before payment will be made, which is somewhat like a deductible paid when filing an insurance claim.
How To Apply For EI Maternity And Parental Benefits
It’s important to apply for EI benefits as soon as possible; otherwise, you would risk losing your benefits. To apply, follow these steps:
Step 1
Choose your benefits. Decide whether you will be applying for maternity or parental benefits.
Step 2
Gather all the necessary documents and information and complete the application online. You’ll need to supply the following when applying:
- Name and address of your employer over the last 52 weeks
- Dates employed with each employer and why you may no longer be employed by them
- Mailing address and home address, if they differ
- Social insurance number (SIN)
- SIN of any other parent if the benefits will be shared
- Last name of one of your parents at birth
- Due date or actual date of birth of your baby
- Date the child was placed in your custody after adoption (if applicable), and the name and address of the adoption agency
- Banking information for direct deposit
Step 3
You have 72 hours after starting your application to complete it. If you don’t complete the application in this time frame, you’ll have to start over.
Step 4
Provide additional information. Other information will be required, including the following:
- Record of employment. Service Canada will use this information to determine whether or not you’re eligible for EI benefits and how much you’ll receive.
Step 5
Wait for your benefit statement and access code. After completing your application, you’ll receive a benefit statement and access code by mail. You’ll need this code and your SIN to access updated information about your application.
Step 6
Review the status of your application. To check your application status, you can log into your MSCA account (you’ll need to create one first), or get in touch with Service Canada.
Final Thoughts
Having a baby is a time of great joy, which should never be overshadowed by financial woes. To help ensure that you don’t suffer financially, maternity or parental EI benefits may be available to you. Be sure to do a little homework to see if you qualify.
