How Maternity Leave Is Calculated in Ontario

Eligibility for Maternity Leave in Ontario

To qualify for maternity leave in Ontario, you must meet specific employment and pregnancy-related criteria. The key requirements include:

• You must be employed by an Ontario employer with 50 or more employees.
• You must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months.
• You must have earned at least $1,500 in the 12 months before the expected due date.
• Your employment must be covered by the Employment Standards Act, 2000.

If you work for a smaller employer or are self-employed, you may still be eligible for maternity leave benefits through the Ontario Works program.

Duration of Maternity Leave

The standard duration of maternity leave in Ontario is 18 weeks. This period can be taken in a single block or divided into two separate periods, with at least 12 weeks between the two periods.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may be eligible for an additional 14 weeks of maternity leave. This extended leave is available if your doctor determines that your pregnancy poses a significant risk to your health or the health of your baby.

Maternity Leave Pay Rules

During maternity leave, you are entitled to receive maternity leave pay from your employer. The amount of pay you receive depends on several factors, including your earnings and the duration of your leave.

The standard maternity leave pay rate is calculated as follows:

Your average weekly earnings are calculated based on your earnings in the 52 weeks before the expected due date. The 55% rate is the standard benefit percentage provided by the Ontario government.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may be eligible for an additional 14 weeks of maternity leave pay at the same rate.

How to Apply for Maternity Leave

The process for applying for maternity leave in Ontario involves several steps. Here's a general overview of what you need to do:

1. Notify your employer at least 14 days before you plan to start your maternity leave.
2. Complete and submit a Maternity Leave Application form to your employer.
3. Provide your employer with medical documentation if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
4. Your employer will confirm your eligibility and the details of your maternity leave.
5. Start your maternity leave on the agreed start date.

If you are self-employed or work for a small employer, you may need to apply through the Ontario Works program instead.

Ontario Maternity Leave Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate your maternity leave pay based on your average weekly earnings and the duration of your leave.