In Ontario, When Can One Begin Their Maternity Leave?

Maternity leave in Ontario can begin no earlier than 17 weeks before the expected due date and no later than the actual date of birth. Parental leave is for 61-63 weeks and must be taken on or after the day after the baby is born. Pregnant employees in Ontario can take pregnancy leave for up to 17 weeks after giving birth. To qualify, the employee must choose benefits, gather required information, complete an online application, provide required documents, and submit a benefit statement and notice.

To apply for EI maternity benefits before stopping working in Ontario, employees can submit their application up to 12 weeks before the expected due date. Employees must provide written notice at least two weeks before the leave’s start date. In most cases, the earliest you can start your pregnancy leave is 17 weeks before the due date, and the latest is your due date or the day of birth of your baby.

To qualify for maternity leave in Ontario, an employee must begin employment at least 13 weeks before the baby’s expected due date. However, this does not apply to EI maternity benefits, which can start as early as 12 weeks before the expected date of birth. Within these restrictions, an employee can start taking pregnancy leave any time within the 17 weeks up to and including the baby’s due date.

In Canada, maternity leave is available for a maximum of 15 weeks, starting up to 13 weeks before the expected delivery date and must be taken in one continuous period. This benefit is only offered to biological (and surrogate) mothers. It is important to note that if your baby is born earlier than the expected due date, the earliest you can start your pregnancy leave is usually 17 weeks before the due date.

How many weeks before my due date should I go on maternity leave?

Maternity leave can be taken a week to a month before the expected birth, depending on discomfort or the desire for time to prepare. The FMLA requires employers to provide at least 30 days’ notice of unpaid family time. To make maternity leave the best possible for both you and your employer, consult with your human resources department, discuss your budget with your partner, start communication with human resources and those affected by your leave after completing your first trimester, and provide your boss with suggestions and strategies to address your duties while you are gone.

Some employers may be less friendly to pregnancy, so it’s important to consider the best time to share the news. Additionally, provide your boss with insights on your projects and co-workers to meet your responsibilities while on leave.

How many months pregnant can you start maternity leave?

The Act, originally allowing a 12-week maternity leave, was amended in 2017 to allow 26-week leave for all women. This leave can be taken 8 weeks before delivery and 18 weeks after delivery. For women with two children, the leave is only 12 weeks for the third and subsequent children. The amendment also grants 12 weeks of leave to women who legally adopt a child under three months of age and a commissioning mother, who uses her egg to create an embryo. This 12-week leave starts from the day the child is given to the commissioning or adoptive mother.

What are the rules for maternity leave in Canada?

Employees can take up to 17 weeks of leave from employment, starting 13 weeks before their confinement and ending 17 weeks after, provided they provide a certificate from a healthcare practitioner confirming pregnancy. If confinement doesn’t occur during the 17-week leave, the leave can be extended until the confinement date. This provision is particularly relevant for employees with children in hospitals.

How much do you get paid on maternity leave in Ontario?

EI maternity benefits pay 55 percent of an individual’s average insurable weekly earnings, with a maximum yearly earnings amount of $63, 200 as of January 1, 2024. The maximum amount is $668 per week as of 2023. EI benefits are taxable income, with federal and provincial taxes deducted from payments. The exact amount of EI depends on individual earnings and region. EI pay for parental leave in Ontario depends on the chosen option. For more information on maternity leave rights in Ontario, visit the Maternity Leave in Ontario: Essential Guide.

Is 30 weeks too early for maternity leave?

The FMLA does not provide an official start date for maternity leave, as each pregnancy, labor, and delivery is unique. However, maternity leave can begin before baby is born if a parent chooses to use it for prenatal appointments, severe morning sickness, or bedrest. Short-term disability can also start paying out before baby is born if a parent is incapacitated due to pregnancy and unable to work.

For the average new parent, maternity leave typically begins when the employee is admitted to the hospital for childbirth, unless healthcare providers require it sooner due to pregnancy complications.

Is maternity leave 12 or 18 months in Canada?

Employment Insurance provides parental benefits within a specific period, starting the week after a child’s birth or adoption date. The periods are Standard Parental (12 months) and Extended Parental (18 months). The parental leave allowance supplements the amount received from Employment Insurance (EI) during parental leave. Eligibility is for regular or part-time employees and auxiliary employees as per their collective agreement or terms and conditions of employment.

How soon is too soon for maternity leave?

Maternity leave can be started up to the due date, unless specified by the employer. It is usually taken a week or two before the due date to avoid the stress of labor and ensure a safe delivery. When making this decision, consider your pregnancy symptoms, such as lack of sleep, back pain, and heartburn, and your commute to work. If you find pregnancy enjoyable, you may be able to continue working until your preferred date.

If your job involves a long commute, taking your leave early may help alleviate the stress. Regardless of the reasons, it is essential to consider your pregnancy and work schedule to make the best decision for you and your family.

Is maternity leave fully paid in Canada?

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.

How early can I start my maternity leave?

Maternity leave can start 11 weeks before the due date, with the start earlier if the baby is born early or if you work more hours than your employer. You can take up to a year of leave, regardless of your employer’s tenure, pay, or work hours. Maternity leave is separate from maternity pay, with different rules for eligibility. You can check your entitlements and share your leave with your partner.

How early can I start maternity leave in Ontario?

Pregnancy leave may be initiated as early as 17 weeks prior to the estimated date of delivery, provided that the infant is not born earlier. In the event of an early delivery, leave must commence on the date of birth. In the event of the infant’s premature arrival, the leave must commence on the date of birth.

How many months do I need to work to get maternity pay in Canada?

As of September 24, 2022, in Canada, individuals are required to have worked a minimum of 600 insurable hours over the past 52 weeks, which is approximately equivalent to 15 weeks of work eligibility.