The Basics of Maternity and Parental BenefitsMost expectant parents know that once their baby is born they will receive a year of federal Employment Insurance benefits. What they don’t often know are the particulars of these benefits. So, here are some of the basics:
What are maternity benefits?
Maternity benefits are employment insurance payments that are paid to a mother. A mother can be paid these benefits as early as 8 weeks before the baby’s expected due date or on the week the baby is actually born. These benefits are paid for a maximum of 15 weeks.
What are parental benefits?
Parental benefits are employment insurance payments that are paid to parents. They can be shared between parents and can be divided in anyway amongst each parent, but they must be taken within the 52 weeks following the day your baby is born. These benefits are paid for a maximum of 35 weeks can be paid from the day your baby is born.
Do I qualify for these benefits?
To qualify for these benefits you need to have worked 600 hours in the last 52 weeks.
How do I apply for these benefits?
You can apply for both maternity and parental benefits at the same time. To apply for these benefits you need to submit an EI application, either on-line or in person at a Service Canada Centre.
What documentation or information do I need when apply for these benefits?
· a copy of your Record of Employment from the employer that you worked for in the last 52 weeks
· your Social Insurance Number
· your bank information
· for maternity benefits you need the expected or actual date of your baby’s birth
· for parental benefits you need the that date your baby was born
· if you are applying in person you need personal identification
How much will I receive?
The exact amount you will receive depends on several factors, but the basic guideline amount is 55% of your average insured earnings up to a maximum of $41,100 per year. Therefore, the maximum amount that you could receive is $435 per week. There is also a two week waiting period before EI benefits begin, which is unpaid.
These are the basics. There are a lot of other details that are not discussed in this article such as sickness benefits, working while on maternity, if your baby is hospitalized etc.. please visit Service Canada for more detailed information.
Resource: Service Canada
Click here to access the online application for employment insurance benefits.
-- Alisha Summers
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