Can A Canadian Take A Job While On Maternity Leave?

Maternity benefits in Canada are part of the Working While on Claim program, which allows employees to earn extra money while receiving these benefits. Some employers provide additional money, called a top-up, to employees on maternity or parental leave. This can be done through peer-to-peer rental services or by applying for EI maternity and parental benefits.

The default rule is that if you receive $500 per week for parental leave and $300 one week in side money, your 25th of the weekly benefit is $125. EI maternity and parental benefits can be received while you are outside Canada, but if you leave the country, you must contact 1-800-206-7218.

The general rule is that you can receive 55 of your earnings, up to a maximum of $638 a week. The Province of Quebec is responsible for providing maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption benefits. If you work while receiving maternity or parental benefits and have served your waiting period, you can keep 50 cents of your EI benefits for every dollar you earn, up to 90 of the weekly insurable earnings used to calculate your EI benefit amount.

Earning money while on maternity leave can be done from home through online jobs such as freelancing, consulting, or offering services. The Working While on Claim program allows employees to earn income while on leave.

Some employers provide additional money to employees on maternity or parental leave, called a top-up. Check with your employer to find out if they offer this service.

For parental leave (the next 35 weeks), there is a certain limit that you can earn before they start taking your benefits. As of January 1, 2022, the maximum amount of EI benefits for eligible employees is $55 of their average weekly insurable wage.

Can you earn money while on maternity leave?

Legally, you can earn income through self-employment while receiving Statutory Maternity Pay from an employer, but you must check if your workplace employment contract permits this. Sophie Baldwin, a 32-year-old freelance social media manager and digital marketing consultant, continued to work while on maternity leave, feeding her newborn, changing nappies, and entertaining a crying baby on calls.

Can you work while on maternity leave in Canada?

While on leave, it is permissible to be gainfully employed by any employer; however, this may have an impact on the individual’s eligibility for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The conclusion of the leave period remains unchanged, and it is possible to continue working while on leave. For further details, please refer to the section entitled “What if I earn other income while receiving EI benefits?”

How much money can I make on maternity leave Canada?

As of 2024, Ontario parents can receive Standard Parental Benefits, which pay 55 of their average insurable weekly earnings up to a maximum of $668 per week for up to 35 weeks. These benefits can be shared between parents, but one parent cannot receive more than 35 weeks. Extended Parental Benefits, which pay 33 of your average weekly earnings up to a maximum of $401 per week, can be shared between parents for up to 61 weeks. Both options allow parents to take the benefits within the first year after the child’s birth or adoption.

How can I maximize my maternity leave in Canada?

Parental benefits can be shared between parents, with standard benefits lasting up to 35 weeks and extended benefits lasting up to 61 weeks. To maximize government benefits, both parents should take time off. The maximum benefits remain the same regardless of the choice. Deciding between standard or extended parental benefits is crucial, as it cannot be changed once a week of benefits has been paid. Factors affecting the decision include expected income reduction, maternity leave top-ups, loss of lifetime earnings, and family time preferences.

How long is Canada’s paid maternity leave?

Canada’s maternity leave policy permits new mothers to take up to 15 weeks of leave, with remuneration of up to $668 CAD per week. Both mothers and fathers are entitled to parental leave, with a five-week period reserved for the father following childbirth or adoption. The standard parental leave period is to be taken within 52 weeks of the birth or adoption of a child. Both policies are subsumed under the rubric of parental leave.

Can you get a raise while on maternity leave in Canada?

During a leave, employees at the company receive a raise, and the employee’s salary will be increased upon return. However, if the employee’s position was eliminated during leave, the employee who replaced them should be offered a similar position. This is not legal, as the employee should be offered the similar position, not the person who replaced them. The employer’s actions may be considered illegal if it appears that the employee would have been offered the similar position had they not taken leave.

What do you get free when pregnant?

It is the right of all individuals to receive free prescriptions and dental care from the National Health Service (NHS) during pregnancy and for a period of 12 months following the birth of a child. Additionally, the child is eligible to receive complimentary prescriptions and dental care until reaching the age of 16. For further assistance, please refer to the NHS website or contact your local health department. Furthermore, the coverage extends to check-ups and treatment for both parents and children.

Can I work if I’m on maternity leave?

Keep in touch days are a crucial part of maternity leave, and their payment depends on the terms of your contract. It is essential to agree with your employer to work these days, as they cannot force you to do them. You can arrange these days outside the first two weeks after your baby’s birth, but if you work more than 10 days, your maternity pay will be cut, and you will lose the entire week’s pay for any extra day. Your employer must inform you about any changes that affect you.

How to make income while pregnant?

The ten best pregnancy-friendly gig ideas include transcription, proofreading jobs, virtual assistant, bookkeeping, budgeting services, online tutoring, freelance writing, and course design. These jobs can help boost your bank account without requiring a full-time job. However, it’s important to avoid gigs that require heavy lifting, standing for long periods, or strenuous activity, as many options still exist.

How can I top up my maternity pay?

Universal Credit is a benefit for low-income individuals who are not already on other means-tested benefits or Tax Credits. It is a monthly payment to cover living costs, taking into account your whole household income and savings, including any maternity pay. If you live with a partner, you must claim jointly, even if they are working full-time, and their income and savings will be taken into account. If you and/or a partner have more than £16, 000 in savings or other assets, you cannot get Universal Credit.

If you are already on Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-related Employment Support Allowance, or income-based Jobseekers Allowance, you should not claim Universal Credit without getting further advice as it could worsen your situation and prevent you from returning to your old benefits.