Maternity leave - what is it based on?

[AnnaBanana]

What are the benefits based on? Your last few months of work? Exactly how long? I can't seem to find that info on the internet (I'm sure i'm just not looking in the right spot...).

Thanks!

A.B.

[afong56]

Employment Insurance (EI) allows qualified claimants to receive up to 15 weeks of maternity benefits and 35 weeks of parental benefits at 55% of their insurable earnings to a maximum of $413 a week


don't quote me

[convoluted]

Employment Insurance (EI) allows qualified claimants to receive up to 15 weeks of maternity benefits and 35 weeks of parental benefits at 55% of their insurable earnings to a maximum of $413 a week


don't quote me

Yep.

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=en/ei/types/special.shtml&hs=tyt#How

[AnnaBanana]

But is it based on your last few months of work, or the last year, or what exactly? I have not worked full-time this past year, but instead went from part-time to full-time to part-time (and now back to full-time). I'm just wondering how my EI would be calculated...

Thanks!
A.B.

[Bullseye]

But is it based on your last few months of work, or the last year, or what exactly? I have not worked full-time this past year, but instead went from part-time to full-time to part-time (and now back to full-time). I'm just wondering how my EI would be calculated...

Thanks!
A.B.

It's based on hours, you need 600 hours within the past year, which works out to about four months of full time work.

It can get trickier, though, if you were part time, and depending what part of the year you were full time.

Short answer: you'll have to go into an EI office and ask to get the info pertaining to your individual situation.

[TotallyKiller]

It's different for every province. Some require a year of full time, some require you to work one day before giving notice.

[Bullseye]

It's different for every province. Some require a year of full time, some require you to work one day before giving notice.

OP is in Ontario.

[ghettogal]

I never got Maternity leave benefits when I had my son 5 yrs ago. But looking at the requirements, I believe I made those hours. Do they give it back to you if you apply now?? lol I was young and didn't know how it worked...

[ayeung]

This website (http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=en/ei/types/special.shtml&) contains most of the info you'll want to know. If you're still unsure, give them a call. They are pretty good at answering questions, esp in the morning, when they're not busy.

Also check with your company's policy, collective agreement. Many companies offer top-up (to a certain % of your salary) for a number of weeks.