I am going to be a parent; what sort of leave and benefits are available?

Residents are granted 52 consecutive weeks of unpaid maternity leave, however EI considers weeks 1-17 “Maternity leave”, and the remaining “Parental Leave”. The earliest that you can take your leave is 11 weeks prior to the week of the predicted delivery.  The latest date to take maternity leave is the actual date of birth.

Weeks 18 to 52 (inclusive) within the 52 weeks of maternity leave are considered to be parental leave.  Parental leave normally begins following maternity leave, unless agreed upon by the Employer for reasons such as premature birth or a hospitalized infant.

The Supplement Employment Benefits (SEB) Plan provides for residents on maternity leave. The first 2 weeks are remunerated by the Employer at 85% of the residents’ normal weekly earnings.  The additional 15 weeks are a blended remuneration at 85% by the Employer, EI gross benefits, and any other earnings received by the resident.  If a resident does not qualify for EI due to insufficient work hours, the Employer will provide 85% of salary for the additional 15 weeks.

For residents on maternity leave, the 52 week period (inclusive of the maternity leave weeks 1-17, and parental leave of weeks 18-52) all health benefits will continue to be paid and provided for by the employer.

Residents can apply for up to 37 consecutive weeks off.  Leave must be requested with 4 weeks of notice, and within 52 weeks of the birth of the child.

For residents on parental leave (inclusive of up to 37 weeks) all health benefits will continue to be paid and provided for by the employer.

Residents can apply for up to 37 consecutive weeks off.  Leave must begin within 52 weeks the child is placed with the parent.  Residents must show proof of adoption.

For residents taking adoptive leave (inclusive of up to 37 weeks) all health benefits will continue to be paid and provided for by the employer.

There is a 2 week waiting period for EI; during this 2 week period, you will receive 85% of your salary from the employer as part of the Supplement Employment Benefits Plan (SEB Plan).  You are required to have worked for 600 hours in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim, to be eligible for EI benefits. If you are not eligible for EI benefits, for the 15 weeks of your maternity leave, the employer will provide 85% of your salary as part of the SEB Plan.

Maternity EI benefits are a maximum of 15 weeks (exclusive of the 2 week waiting period).  A combination of maternity and parental leave can make up to a maximum of 50 weeks of EI benefits.

The basic benefit rate is 55% of your average insured earnings up to a yearly maximum insurable amount, as of January 1, 2013, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $47,400.  This means you can receive a maximum payment of $501 per week.

If you work while on maternity leave, your earnings will be deducted dollar for dollar from your benefits.

If you work while on parental leave (after the 15 weeks of maternity leave benefits) the amount you can earn while working part-time and receiving EI benefits is the greater of $75 or 40% of weekly benefits.

Your EI payment is a taxable income, meaning federal and provincial or territorial, if it applies, taxes will be deducted.

Parental EI Benefits are a maximum of 35 weeks, shared with your spouse.

You are required to have worked for 600 hours in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim. The basic benefit rate is 55% of your average insured earnings up to a yearly maximum insurable amount of $47,400. This means you can receive a maximum payment of $501 per week (as of January 2013).

While on parental leave the amount you can earn while working part-time and receiving EI benefits is the greater of $75 or 40% of weekly benefits.

Your EI payment is a taxable income, meaning federal and provincial or territorial, if it applies, taxes will be deducted.

Adoption (Parental) EI Benefits are a maximum of 35 weeks, shared with your spouse.

You are required to have worked for 600 hours in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim.  The basic benefit rate is 55% of your average insured earnings up to a yearly maximum insurable amount of $47,400. This means you can receive a maximum payment of $501 per week (as of January 2013).

While on parental leave the amount you can earn while working part-time and receiving EI benefits is the greater of $75 or 40% of weekly benefits.

Your EI payment is a taxable income, meaning federal and provincial or territorial, if it applies, taxes will be deducted.