What Is Your Salary While On Maternity Leave Alberta?

5.0 rating based on 103 ratings

In Alberta, employees are eligible for maternity and parental leave if they have been employed for at least 90 days with the same employer. They can take time off work without pay for maternity or parenta, depending on the benefit type chosen and if they decide to share the benefits with other parents. The amount you receive depends on your income level.

Employees entitled to maternity leave in Alberta can take up to sixty-two consecutive weeks of leave of absence without pay in conjunction with the maternity leave, which shall not exceed a maximum of $668 per week. Birth mothers can take up to 52 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave from employment, made up of 15 weeks of maternity leave and 37 weeks of parental leave. Fathers and adoptive fathers are entitled to 16 consecutive weeks of unpaid maternity leave.

Employees can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for financial support during maternity and parental leaves. EI benefits pay out 55 of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $638 a week. With parental leave, there are two options: standard parental benefits or extended parental benefits. Employers are not legally required to pay wages or benefits during leave, unless stated in an employment contract or collective agreement.

The basic rate for calculating EI maternity benefits is 55 of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum amount. The maximum amount you can receive for this benefit is a maximum of $668 per week. There is also an option to take 18 months, in which the first 15 weeks are paid out at 55 and the remaining 61 weeks at 33.

In Alberta, employers are not legally required to pay employees during maternity or parental leave. However, employers may choose to provide a salary top-up if eligible for maternity benefits. As of January 1, 2022, the maximum amount is 55 of your wages for a year, and you can take up to 18 months total.

Useful Articles on the Topic
ArticleDescriptionSite
EI maternity and parental benefits: How much you could …The basic rate used to calculate maternity and standard parental benefits is 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount.canada.ca
Maternity and parental leaveEmployers aren’t required to pay wages or benefits during leave, unless stated in an employment contract or collective agreement. Employees on maternity or …alberta.ca
Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefitsThe basic rate for calculating EI maternity benefits is 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum amount.canada.ca

📹 How much maternity leave to take in Canada?

This video explores the decision-making process behind choosing maternity leave length in Canada. The creator shares five personal reasons for choosing a six-month leave, including a love of work, a desire to support colleagues, and the opportunity for shared parental leave. The video encourages viewers to consider their own circumstances and discuss their choices with their partner.


Does Maternity Leave Affect Severance Pay In Alberta
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Does Maternity Leave Affect Severance Pay In Alberta?

In Alberta, maternity leave is not seen as a break in employment, meaning severance pay calculations will include the duration of unpaid maternity or parental leave if an employee is terminated. While severance pay is determined under common law and not mandated by the Employment Standards Code, it may be included in employment contracts. Employees are entitled to up to 16 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, and can also take an additional 62 weeks of unpaid parental leave.

Employers do not have to provide pay during these leaves but may offer a salary top-up at their discretion. Discrimination based on gender, including pregnancy and maternity leave, is prohibited under the Alberta Human Rights Act, which also safeguards against discrimination based on family status. The Employment Standards Code protects employees from termination during their maternity or parental leave, but they may be dismissed for unrelated reasons if the employer discontinues business.

Employees eligible for leave must have been with the same employer for at least 90 days prior. Severance pay can be substantial, potentially reaching up to 24 months’ worth of pay. Seeking legal counsel can assist employees in understanding their rights related to maternity leave and severance.

When Does Maternity Leave Start In Alberta
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

When Does Maternity Leave Start In Alberta?

In Alberta, maternity leave can start any time within the 13 weeks leading up to the estimated due date of a child and must be completed within 78 weeks from the date of birth or adoption. Employees become eligible for maternity leave after being employed for at least 90 days by the same employer. Generally, maternity leave lasts for up to 16 consecutive weeks and is unpaid, although the health-related part of the maternity leave benefit premiums must be maintained by employers if they provide benefits when employees are sick.

Employees are required to give at least six weeks’ written notice to their employer before starting maternity or parental leave and at least four weeks' notice before returning to work. Parental leave can also be taken for up to 62 weeks following the completion of maternity leave, totaling 78 weeks. It is important for expecting mothers to apply for maternity leave as soon as possible, ideally providing at least two weeks' notice prior to the expected delivery date.

Maternity leave is job-protected time off intended for recovery and bonding with the newborn. Any parent, regardless of employment status, can take parental leave. For maternity benefits, employees may begin to receive support as early as 12 weeks before their due date.

How Do I Calculate My Maternity Pay
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Calculate My Maternity Pay?

The formula for computing maternity benefits is based on multiplying 100% of your average daily salary credit by 105 days. To effectively calculate SSS maternity benefits, follow certain steps that include determining key leave dates, eligibility, and legal rights for both pregnant employees and employers. It’s advisable to use tools like Avensure’s maternity pay calculator, which is updated with current legislation, to estimate statutory maternity pay considering employment status, salary, and leave.

Understanding how maternity pay is calculated is essential, as it allows employees to anticipate their benefits and identify any discrepancies. Maternity leave typically spans from two weeks before delivery to six weeks after, with the potential for up to 12 weeks of paid leave under specific regulations. Payments during this period may vary based on earnings, with statutory maternity pay calculated using an average of the last eight weeks of earnings and structured on a sliding scale. Employers can utilize maternity leave calculators for precise planning and complying with statutory requirements.

How Much Is Maternity Leave In Canada
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Much Is Maternity Leave In Canada?

In Canada, maternity benefits are calculated at 55% of an individual's average insurable weekly earnings, capped at $668 weekly for 2024. Maternity leave lasts up to 15 weeks for new mothers, and parental benefits can be extended for an additional 35 weeks for biological, adoptive, or legally recognized parents. If opting for standard parental leave, it offers 55% of average earnings, while the extended option provides 33%, up to a maximum of $390 per week.

Eligibility criteria and durations vary; paid maternity leave is strictly available for biological and surrogate mothers. Important details about applying for financial assistance through Employment Insurance (EI) or the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) are crucial for expecting or new parents.

A decision between 12 or 18 months of leave can significantly impact overall income, with calculations indicating a potential maximum income of approximately $30, 940 annually on a 12-month leave plan. In Quebec, maternity benefits follow a slightly different provincial structure. Therefore, new parents should thoroughly review benefits, application procedures, and eligibility criteria to ensure they maximize their financial support during maternity or parental leave. Guidance is available for navigating these processes effectively.

When Did 1 Year Maternity Leave Start In Canada
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

When Did 1 Year Maternity Leave Start In Canada?

In December 2000, Canada significantly enhanced parental leave benefits, increasing the maximum duration from 10 to 35 weeks and extending paid maternity and parental leave from six months to one year. This change took effect as of January 1, 2001, allowing new parents to receive Employment Insurance during their leave. The decision to expand these benefits came after advocacy from various women's groups. It’s worth noting that paid maternity leave was only established in Canada in 1971, prior to which mothers often had to quit or return to work shortly after childbirth due to financial pressures.

In the 1980s, Canadian mothers received 17 to 18 weeks of job-protected maternity leave. By 2023, maternity leave policies allow for up to 12 or 18 months of leave. The 2000 amendments to the Employment Insurance Act (Bill C-32) also included provisions for fathers and adoptive parents, increasing their parental leave from 18 to 37 weeks. Initially, maternity leave came under the Unemployment Insurance Act in 1940 but didn’t include maternity provisions for several decades. Presently, paid maternity benefits provide 55% of the employee’s income or a maximum of $668 CAD per week.

How To Calculate Maternity Pay
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How To Calculate Maternity Pay?

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is determined by averaging an employee's earnings over a minimum of 8 weeks leading up to the final payday before the qualifying week ends. For monthly-paid staff, the last eight pay slips are considered, whereas for weekly-paid employees, the last eight weeks are taken into account. To ensure accurate entitlement assessment for SMP, utilizing a maternity leave calculator can be beneficial in tracking essential dates and variables such as leave duration and potential income changes.

This tool enables both employees and employers to evaluate the financial implications of maternity leave effectively by inputting relevant dates and potential earnings. Moreover, understanding Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) is important, which offers £184. 03 weekly or 90% of average weekly earnings, for shared leave arrangements. Calculation methods for SMP include analyzing gross earnings over the specified period and adhering to regulations outlined in the Maternity Benefit Act.

Croner's maternity pay calculator aids in efficiently calculating obligations towards employees on maternity leave, providing clarity on SMP calculations, average weekly earnings, and potential financial support during the leave period.

How Much Maternity Leave Do You Need In Alberta
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Much Maternity Leave Do You Need In Alberta?

In Alberta, employers must provide eligible employees with up to 16 consecutive weeks of unpaid maternity leave, along with the option of an additional 62 weeks of unpaid parental leave. To qualify for either type of leave, an employee must have been continuously employed for a minimum of 90 days with the same employer. Maternity leave can begin at any point within 13 weeks before the expected delivery date. Additionally, the parental leave eligibility is assessed separately for each parent.

During the maternity leave period, an employee is entitled to take time off without pay, and employers are required to maintain health benefit premiums for employees on maternity leave if they cover these premiums for employees who are sick. The maternity leave duration is 16 weeks, which is one week shorter than the Employment Insurance benefit period at 17 weeks. Employees have a total of 78 weeks within which to utilize their maternity and parental leave entitlements.

There is no specific hourly requirement for qualifying for maternity leave; continuous employment is the primary criterion. Birth mothers can start their leave as early as 13 weeks prior to their due date, and the combined maximum leave period available to birth mothers can total up to 78 weeks when including both maternity and parental leave.

Is Maternity Leave 12 Or 18 Months In Canada
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is Maternity Leave 12 Or 18 Months In Canada?

Under Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI), new parents can access parental benefits starting the week after their child’s birth or adoption. There are two options for parental leave: Standard (12 months) and Extended (18 months). While deciding between these options, many factors come into play. Mothers often find the initial weeks challenging due to sleep deprivation and emotional stress, making parental leave vital for bonding with the newborn.

The Canadian government introduced the extended maternity leave option in 2017, allowing parents to choose between 12 months of receiving EI benefits at 55% of their income or 18 months at 33%. Parents can also change their decision regarding leave duration even after birth. If parents decide on the extended leave, they can receive benefits for up to 61 weeks within an 18-month period.

Importantly, parents can receive EI benefits while outside Canada but must notify the EI office if leaving the country. This flexibility in leave duration helps growing families adapt to new responsibilities. While taking leave, new parents can focus on caring for their infants, which many appreciate as a crucial aspect of Canadian parental support. Overall, the choice between 12 or 18 months of leave can significantly impact family life and well-being.

How Do I Get Maternity And Parental Leave In Canada
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Get Maternity And Parental Leave In Canada?

In Canada, eligible employees are entitled to unpaid maternity and parental leave under Part 2, Division 7 of the Employment Standards Code. Eligible parents, including biological and adoptive, can apply for maternity and parental benefits through Employment Insurance (EI) to aid in covering costs during their time off work, with potential benefits of up to $595 weekly. Maternity benefits commence as early as the pregnancy announcement, allowing for 15 weeks off for mothers who give birth. Parental leave, shared between parents, can total up to 12 months for the standard or 18 months for the extended version.

To qualify, employees must work at least 600 insurable hours, experience a reduction in earnings of over 40%, and have been employed for a minimum of 90 days with the same employer. The application process entails selecting benefits, gathering required information, completing an online application, and submitting necessary documents. While maternity leave is exclusive to biological mothers, both parents can share parental leave. For comprehensive guidance on eligibility and application, it is recommended to visit the Canadian EI website or contact the Government of Canada.

Do Employers Have Maternity Leave Responsibilities In Alberta
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do Employers Have Maternity Leave Responsibilities In Alberta?

In Alberta, it is essential for employers to understand their maternity leave responsibilities. They must offer eligible employees up to 16 consecutive weeks of unpaid maternity leave, along with the option of an additional 62 weeks of unpaid parental leave. To qualify, employees need to have been with the same employer for at least 90 days. Although employers aren't legally obligated to pay wages or benefits during this time, they may opt to offer a salary top-up based on their discretion. It is important to note that the Alberta Human Rights Act protects employees from discrimination due to pregnancy and family status.

For those seeking leave, employers must guarantee their original or an equivalent job upon return. The province requires maintaining health-related maternity leave benefit premiums if the employer covers employee benefit premiums during any leave. While there’s no specific hourly requirement for maternity leave, the minimum employment period of 90 days remains consistent. Employees with less than 90 days may request leave, but employers are not mandated to grant it.

The provided guidelines also cover maternity, parental, and adoption leave for Alberta Public Service managers and other excluded employees. Employees are advised to notify their employer at least six weeks prior to the intended leave date to ensure proper arrangements can be made.

How Do I Get Maternity Pay
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Get Maternity Pay?

To obtain statutory maternity pay, inform your employer about your pregnancy and provide confirmation via a doctor or midwife's form at least 15 weeks before your due date. It's necessary to give at least 28 days' notice before starting maternity pay. Maternity leave generally refers to the time a mother takes off for childbirth or adoption. While paternity leave is for fathers, many companies now offer parental leave for new parents. In the U.

S., there is no federal paid maternity leave, leaving it to individual states, with California, Rhode Island, and New Jersey having active policies. Although federal law mandates unpaid maternity leave through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for some employees, only about 25% of women receive paid maternity leave through employer policies. Maternity leave commonly lasts from two weeks before delivery to six weeks after, but policies vary widely.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) lasts up to 39 weeks and provides 90% of average weekly earnings for the first six weeks. Eligibility requires a minimum earnings threshold. Maternity Allowance is available for those employed or self-employed for 26 weeks within 66 weeks before the due date, with payments starting up to 11 weeks before delivery.


📹 MATERNITY, PATERNITY & PARENTAL LEAVE, Employment Insurance (EI) in Canada

I recently gave a financial talk for women physicians and while the finances of maternity leave in Canada was a small part, the …


Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

About me

Add comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Divorce Readiness Calculator

How emotionally prepared are you for a divorce?
Divorce is an emotional journey. Assess your readiness to face the challenges ahead.

Pin It on Pinterest

We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Privacy Policy