When I’M On Maternity Leave, Who Covers My Daycare Vouchers?

The Employment Insurance (EI) program provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers, including maternity and parental benefits. The Province of Quebec is responsible for providing these benefits to residents of Quebec. Paid maternity leave is up to 15 weeks across Canada, with the exception of Quebec, which is 18 weeks. Paid parental leave is up to 35 weeks and can be used by either parent.

All Canadian provinces and territories allow employees to take time off work to have a baby and raise their children. In Ontario, childcare vouchers are provided as a benefit of employment, usually through a payroll system. However, there is debate over whether childcare vouchers should be continued during maternity leave. Employees may receive statutory maternity pay or enhanced contractual maternity pay instead of normal pay.

Childcare vouchers are generally a form of salary sacrifice, where employees sacrifice some of their salary/remuneration in return. Guidance from HMRC states that childcare vouchers are a non-cash benefit, and women should be entitled to benefit from them throughout their maternity leave. Employers cannot deduct childcare vouchers from Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), and while on maternity leave and receiving SMP, voucher costs will be covered by the company.

The legal position on whether women on maternity leave are entitled to receive benefits such as childcare vouchers has been unclear for many years. Employees can purchase childcare vouchers while taking paid maternity, paternity, adoption, or shared parental leave. However, statutory maternity, adoption, and other benefits are not available.

Do I have to pay back maternity pay?

When considering maternity pay, it’s important to check if you need to pay back any maternity pay. If you receive contractual maternity pay, you may only keep your full amount if you return to work. Statutory maternity pay or Maternity Allowance won’t be required even if you don’t return to work. Check your contract or employee handbook to determine the required time to keep your full contractual maternity pay. Additionally, you can take holiday to reduce the time you need to work, as many holiday days may have built up during maternity leave.

What entitlements do you get when pregnant?

Pregnant employees have the right to health and safety protection from employers, including paid time off for antenatal care and protection against unfair treatment. While maternity leave may bring mixed feelings, it’s a good opportunity to make new friends and maintain connections with those you’ll keep in touch with at antenatal classes or with people living nearby. Enjoy your work and make the most of your maternity leave.

Can I resign while on maternity leave?

Maternity leave employees cannot give notice of termination during this period, as it allows them to recover from childbirth and care for their newborn. After the leave, normal rules for notice periods and termination apply. Both parties can initiate the termination process under usual employment laws and regulations. It is advisable for both parties to consult their employment contract, labor laws, and relevant policies or agreements to ensure the termination process is conducted in accordance with the law and provided terms.

How much money do you need on maternity leave?

The Shared Parental Leave (SMP) program provides eligible employees with a paid leave allowance covering the initial six weeks of leave at the employee’s average weekly earnings (before tax), followed by an additional 33 weeks at a rate of £184. The amount of earnings subject to taxation and National Insurance deductions is either 90 or 30 percent, depending on the specific circumstances. It is remunerated in a manner analogous to that of wages.

What free stuff can you get when pregnant?

Enfamil offers a Family Beginnings program that provides rewards and freebies for new and aspiring mothers. This program offers discounts, free baby formula samples, and other free resources. Participants can also receive special offers, baby formula coupons, and free baby items. The program also connects participants to the Healthy Start community, which provides a wide range of free resources for new and aspiring mothers. Enfamil Family Beginnings members can join for up to $400 in free gifts, ensuring a supportive and empowered motherhood journey.

How to afford maternity leave?

To prepare for a baby, it is essential to build up your savings, make a budget, look for deals on bills, shop secondhand, and maximize your work benefits. With the average cost of raising a child to 18 years estimated at £160, 000 for couples and £190, 000 for single parents, it is crucial to consider the long-term costs of your new arrival, including kit, clothes, food, and education, as well as the financial impact of maternity or adoption leave. It is essential to jump to saving, make a budget, shop secondhand, and make the most of what you are entitled to from work.

Can I quit before maternity leave?

After giving birth, it is best to keep options open until after the baby’s birth, as your employer should assume you are taking the full 52 weeks of maternity leave. If you decide to resign, you will continue to receive Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance for the remaining 39 weeks, and you will still receive your usual contractual benefits, such as annual leave, up to the end of your notice period. To get maternity leave, you must provide your employer with the following information in or before the 15th week before your baby is due (if asked to do so).

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.

Who pays my maternity pay?

Your employer pays your SMP, which is the same as your salary, and deducts any tax and National Insurance contributions. You can claim your SMP back from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). SMP can be obtained even if you don’t plan to return to work or end your job after the 15th week before your baby is due. Occupational maternity pay, provided by your employer, can top up your SMP to full or half pay for a few weeks. For more information, refer to the section on Occupational Maternity Pay.

How to save when on maternity leave?

In order to enhance one’s financial standing, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive assessment of one’s financial position. This entails a detailed examination of both individual and joint financial resources, a critical reevaluation of expenditure patterns, a strategic reduction of liabilities, the establishment of a dedicated savings account, and the pursuit of opportunities to augment income through the monitoring of significant dates and events.

What happens if I don’t return to work after maternity leave?

When considering maternity pay, it’s important to check if you need to pay back any maternity pay. If you receive contractual maternity pay, you may only keep your full amount if you return to work. Statutory maternity pay or Maternity Allowance won’t be required even if you don’t return to work. Check your contract or employee handbook to determine the required time to keep your full contractual maternity pay. Additionally, you can take holiday to reduce the time you need to work, as many holiday days may have built up during maternity leave.