Ontario Maternity Leave Employment Insurance Top Up

[NAHR@spectraforce.com]

#94209

Forum: Community

Hi there,
We have our first corporate employee to request a maternity leave. Our company policy is that we “top up” pay for 13 weeks to supplement the employment insurance benefits. What is the process to calculate how much we should be paying this employee while out on leave? What documentation could/should we request her to send us to verify her leave and/or the amount of benefits she is receiving?
Thank you!
Sarah Crockett

[Haley O’Halloran]

#94210

Hi Sarah, thank you for your question!

Standard Ontario maternity leave pay should be 55% of earnings availed for up to 40 weeks, but one parent can’t receive more than 35 weeks of standard benefits. Extended parental benefits pay 33% of earnings.

In Ontario, your employee must give you at least two weeks’ written notice before beginning a their leave and, if you want to request it, they can be required to provide a certificate from a doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner stating the baby’s due date so you know when her leave will end.

If you have more questions regarding maternity leave in Ontario, check out these articles to further your understanding:
Maternity Leave Game Plan
Maternity Leave Ask The Expert

-HR Insider Staff

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