Off Topic: Parental/Maternity Leave Questions

[Bea]

I just found out recently that I am pregnant. This wasn't planned but that doesn't seem to matter after the shock wears off. I am as excited about this baby as I was with the others. The stressful thing is work. There are currently lay offs and I am pretty sure I am next. I am not due until early July and I know I won't be able to hold on that long. This really worries me because if I am laid off in the next month or so (which seems likely), I won't qualify for maternity/parental benefits.

I will be really upset if I am laid off in the next few weeks after working there 4 years, and not getting any maternity/parental benefits. I would only qualify for 12 weeks of Unemployment (I am part time).


Does anyone know how early before your due date you can go off on Parental leave? I tried to read up on it but found it really confusing. I am just trying to see how long I need hold on at work until I can just go off on parental leave.

After parental leave, does Maternity leave kick in? I noticed in reading about maternity, they referred to parental leave also. I am not sure the difference?

I welcome any insight into Maternity benefits. It all seems so overwhelming right now. And so does the task of maternity clothes, baby items, baby clothes......I don't have one stitch left from previous kids (they are older now).


The best part of all this is we are going to WDW during March break this year! That will certainly reduce stress!!

 

[Betty X]

You start with 15 weeks of maternity benefits after your two week waiting period, then 35 weeks of parental.

You can go on maternity benefits 10 weeks before your due date (this includes the 2 week waiting period)

There is a 1-800 number in your area so phone that to find out specific details about your situation.

If you have 600 insurable hours in the last 26 weeks then you qualify to get all the weeks of maternity and parental benefits listed above. But if you got regular benefits prior to maternity/parental benefits then that would not be an ideal situation for you.

Apply for benefits on your last day of work on-line! www.hrsdc.gc.ca

 

[mbb]

Just wanted to say congratulations!!!

 

[Bea]

Betty X,

The 10 weeks you referred to (before baby is due), is that dependant on the province you live in do you know?

I hesitate to call EI about this because last year when I was told I was laid off (but was called back the next day!) I called and asked questions about how many weeks I would be entitled to, etc, and they wouldn't answer any questions at all until I "openned a claim". Because of this I don't know how open to questions they would be.

Mbb, thanks for the "congratulations"!

 

[Betty X]

Congrats!

EI regulations are the same across Canada. The only thing that differs in different regions is how many hours you need to qualify for regular benefits.

I think for maternity and parental it is the same across Canada.

Specific questions relating to your claim won't be answered until your claim is extablished because each circumstance is different.

The only place to get the correct answer is from the 1-800 number or an EI office. Do not rely on what your friends tell you because the EI program changes a lot.

 

[Parkerpooh]

This happened to me as well except I found out I was pregnant on my last day of work(thanks a million Nortel!) I found a part time job right away to help keep my hours accumulating. It's either 600 or 700 hours you need to be entitled to the year off. Nothing like getting happy and crappy news at the same time!!! Good luck to you and have a healthy 9 months!!