Maternity leave pay in Canada is called maternity benefits and is provided through the Employment Insurance (EI) program. The amount you receive depends on your earnings in the year before you apply.
Calculating Maternity Benefits
To calculate your maternity benefits, the government uses your average insurable earnings (AIE) over the last 52 weeks before you apply. You can find this information on your Record of Employment (ROE), which your employer will provide.
Here's a breakdown:
- 55% of your AIE: This is the base rate for maternity benefits.
- Maximum weekly benefit: As of 2023, the maximum weekly benefit is $638.
- Minimum weekly benefit: There is a minimum weekly benefit amount, which is currently $407.
Duration of Maternity Benefits
You can receive maternity benefits for up to 15 weeks.
Eligibility for Maternity Benefits
To be eligible for maternity benefits, you must:
- Be pregnant and expecting a baby.
- Be off work due to pregnancy or childbirth.
- Have worked at least 600 hours in the last 52 weeks before you apply.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Applying for Maternity Benefits
You can apply for maternity benefits online through the Service Canada website.
Important Notes
- You must apply for maternity benefits within 52 weeks of the date you stop working.
- You can receive maternity benefits even if you are self-employed.
- You can choose to take maternity benefits before your baby is born, but you must take them within 12 months of the baby's birth.
