If you have paid Canadian Employment Insurance (EI) premiums and lose your job of for those who are pregnant, caring for a newborn or adopted child or sick, in Canada, you can apply for Employment Insurance benefits

To be entitled to maternity, parental or sickness benefits you must show that:

• your regular weekly earnings have been decreased by more than 40; and
• you have accumulated 600 insured hours in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim, (this period is called the qualifying).

To receive maternity, parental or sickness you must submit an EI Application or in person to your local Government Agency. You should apply as soon as you stop working, even if you receive or will receive money when you become unemployed.

As of December 31st, 2000, maternity benefits are still 15 weeks (after a two-week waiting period), but the parental leave has been extended to 35 weeks. This increases the total number of paid weeks to 50 from 25. The 15 weeks of maternity benefits only apply to biological mothers, while the 35 weeks of parental leave can be used by either parent or shared between the two.

The basic benefit is 55% of your average insured earnings up to a maximum of $413/week. (If there is a net income of less than $25,921 with children and you receive the Child Tax Benefit, you could be entitled to a higher rate, which will be automatically added).

There is a two-week waiting period before benefits are paid. (Only one waiting period per claim) If all information is provided and is accurate, you should receive your first payment by the end of the fourth week after application.

TIP

Be pro-active. Discuss your dates with your employer well before hand, and prepare a letter stating your last day, RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING that your Record of Employment (ROE) and any other supporting documentation be prepared and ready for your last day. Apply either on your last day or the next business day after you have stopped working. This will speed up your claim. Go first thing in the morning to avoid long lineups. Although you can get forms by phoning in, the HRDC prefers and requests that you make use of the computer system available at their offices. That way, your data is already in the system and any changes can be made directly online. This will also assist in speeding up your application.

When you go to apply, bring the following things:

• 2 pieces of ID (one picture)
• VOID personal cheque (you can have your benefits directly deposited - less worry over long weekends!!)
• ROE (all ROE's in the last 52 weeks)

Visit http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/ for more information.