Gov't Assistance

[mollykinnz]

Hi Ladies,

Are there any ST+M's out there that have any idea of how maternity benefits/child care benefits work? I'm in Ontario.

I understand that I will be getting 55% of my pay for maternity leave. Is this based on my gross or net pay?

What child benefits are out there and how do they work? I know some are based on family income but I've been trying to read on the government websites and I can't seem to clearly understand. Was thinking that maybe there is someone who could shed a little light on it for me?!

Thanks in advance!

[Bluedaisy]

I believe it is gross, but there is a limit. The maximum is quite low actually. Are you looking into child benefits for once your maternity leave is over?

[mollykinnz]

I'm just trying to make a rough budget for while I'm in maternity leave. I'm really nervous of how everything is going to work!

Thank you both for your input so far

[Bluedaisy]

The CRA website has lots of helpful information.

[Ray]

Depending on your job too I think some employers top up your mat pay. I know DH will be taking most of the mat leave because he gets topped up to almost 80%

[headisbest]

the 1000 + 100 monthly I know is not offered in Ontario. Maternity leave in Ontario is likened to EI payments. Call employment standards Canada or the Ontario labor board. most of the time they are quite helpful but keep in mind that your first payment may not be until several weeks (6-8) after LO is born.

[momofcatan]

I'm in Ontario and I received the max (or close to it) EI benefit which was $816 bi-weekly after deductions in 2014. We also get $100 monthly, this is regardless of income. Anyone know if/when this is switching over to $200?

[sympkin]

Feb 20, 2015 9:41:15 GMT -5 momofcatan said:

I'm in Ontario and I received the max (or close to it) EI benefit which was $816 bi-weekly after deductions in 2014. We also get $100 monthly, this is regardless of income. Anyone know if/when this is switching over to $200?

I wonder if that is still going to happen, it was proposed for the budget that hasn't happened yet.

Regardless the difference between the lower and higher amount is supposed to be dropped in a lump sum in July and then the higher amount thereafter.

[redbluepurple]

Feb 20, 2015 20:32:18 GMT -5 danib said:

Feb 20, 2015 9:41:15 GMT -5 momofcatan said:

I'm in Ontario and I received the max (or close to it) EI benefit which was $816 bi-weekly after deductions in 2014. We also get $100 monthly, this is regardless of income. Anyone know if/when this is switching over to $200?

I thought it was changing to 160. Am I wrong or does it vary by province?

Universal Child Care Benefit is increasing from $100 to $160.

[Ray]

redbluepurple - were you on GKU or BOTB over on TD? I feel like I recognize you...

[redbluepurple]

Feb 21, 2015 12:56:05 GMT -5 Ray said:

redbluepurple - were you on GKU or BOTB over on TD? I feel like I recognize you...

I was on TTGP over on TD - I remember you too. 

[Deleted]

The $160 for UCCB started in January however payments on it won't be made until July. If I remember correctly you will receive a retroactive payment in July for the previous 6 months.

[andtheheartbreakers]

If you look into EI benefits there's tons of information on it! Off the website:

We cannot tell you exactly how much you will receive before we process your application. For most people, the basic rate for calculating EI benefits is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2015, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $49,500. This means that you can receive a maximum amount of $524 per week.

So basically you get 55% of your pay, but if you make more than $49500, you still only get 55% of $49500. You need to have 600 EI insurable hours to qualify as well, and if you make less than I believe it's $25000/year then you will get a higher percentage for being a low income family.

[Robeano]

It depends on the level of unemployment in your area. I live in the Niagara Region. My maternity leave was based off my best 21 weeks of the previous year, gross pay. If you make approximately the same every week, take your gross and minus 65%. For me, they are taking a whopping $6 off in tax per month so either set aside money or ask for more tax taken off (otherwise you might owe next tax season)

You can also google maternity leave calculator, a bank has one you can use. I found it quite underestimates how much you'll get, but its a start.