5 extra weeks of standard parental benefits, or; 8 extra weeks of extended parental benefits Once parents start receiving benefits, they cannot change parental benefit options. She also chooses to receive 40 weeks of extended parental benefits to care for their baby before returning to work. 67% Upvoted. That includes creating up to 40,000 new subsidized daycare spaces by 2019, and offering parents a choice to extend the usual 12-month parental leave to 18 months. I am not concerned about the financial aspect of it being spread out over 18 months instead of 12. You can receive the 40 weeks of benefits during the 12 months after the date your child is born or placed with you for adoption. The Family Supplement can increase your benefit rate to as much as 80% of your earnings. Each parent must indicate how many weeks they plan to take. Whichever option you opt for, don’t forget to get organized before baby comes so you can apply for benefits as soon as you’re done work. In other words, if you opt to take an 18 month parental leave, you will receive $225 less per week at maximum earnings than with the 12 month option. For more information or to apply, visit EI Maternity and Parental Benefits – Overview. One parent cannot receive more than 35 weeks of standard parental benefits. Martine receives $562 per week in maternity benefits for 15 weeks; after that, she can receive $337 per week for 61 weeks in extended parental benefits (33% of her average weekly insurable earnings). ), the biological mom or surrogate receives 15 weeks of maternity leave benefits paid at 55% of your weekly average earnings, up to $562/week. While the 18 months of leave can be split between two parents, it must be taken all at once. In total, they receive $17,615 in parental benefits over 12 months. I get 100% for 12 months and only the 33% for the remaining six wouldn't be worth it for us even with child care costs. For 2020, this maximum amount is $53,100 as well. They have decided that Martine will take the full maternity and parental benefits. Had I taken longer, I may have found it harder to transition back to work or felt like I was losing my skills. So definitely a no brainer They want to share the 69 weeks. Peter receives $254 per week for 61 weeks (33% of his average weekly earnings). One of the biggest costs to factor in when deciding when to go back to work is daycare costs. While there are pros and cons to both options, it is important to weigh both the financial and personal reasons for your family and do what makes the most sense for your situation. One of the biggest costs to factor in when deciding when to go back to work is daycare costs. Effective December 3, 2017, new parents beginning a parental leave will be able to obtain 18 months of EI benefits instead of 12 but at a lower rate – 33% of average weekly earnings instead of 55%. While there are pros and cons to both options, it is important to weigh both the financial and personal reasons for your family and do what makes the most sense for your situation. The 18 Month Maternity Leave in Canada. There are a number of costs associated with starting a family, and adding unnecessary financial stress is undoubtedly something you want to avoid. The state of California offers employees at private companies and all public employees the option to combine the 12-week unpaid FMLA leave with four months maternity disability. While the system may not be perfect, over time it has changed and improved to try to meet the needs of more Canadians. not be working during your Paid Parental Leave period except for allowable reasons; have met the work test; have registered or applied to register your child's birth with your state or territory birth registry, if they're a newborn. You can apply for benefits online on. 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