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Maternity Leave Calculator Ontario

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Ontario's maternity leave program provides eligible employees with paid time off to care for a new child. This calculator helps you determine your entitlement based on your employment status and the number of children you're having.

How Maternity Leave Works in Ontario

Ontario's maternity leave program is designed to support new parents while they care for their newborn. The program provides paid time off for eligible employees, regardless of whether they work full-time or part-time.

The maternity leave program is funded through a combination of employer contributions and government support. Employers must contribute to the program, and the government provides additional benefits to eligible employees.

Maternity leave in Ontario is different from parental leave. Parental leave is available to both parents, while maternity leave is specifically for mothers.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for maternity leave in Ontario, you must meet certain criteria:

  • You must be employed by an eligible employer
  • You must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months
  • You must have worked at least 1,500 hours in the 12 months before the expected due date
  • You must be expecting your first child

There are also specific requirements for part-time employees. Part-time employees must have worked at least 750 hours in the 12 months before the expected due date.

Duration of Maternity Leave

The duration of maternity leave in Ontario depends on your employment status:

Employment Status Leave Duration
Full-time employees 17 weeks
Part-time employees 12 weeks

The leave can be taken in a single block or in multiple periods, but it must be completed within 12 months of the expected due date.

Maternity Leave Pay

Maternity leave pay in Ontario is calculated based on your average weekly earnings. The maximum weekly benefit is $575, but you may receive less if your earnings are lower.

Calculation Formula

Maternity leave pay = (Average weekly earnings × 0.55) or $575, whichever is less

Average weekly earnings = (Total earnings in the 52 weeks before the expected due date) ÷ 52

For part-time employees, the calculation is similar, but the maximum weekly benefit is $400.

How to Use This Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your maternity leave entitlement in Ontario. Simply enter your average weekly earnings and select your employment status, then click "Calculate".

The calculator will show you your weekly maternity leave pay and your total leave entitlement based on your employment status.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is maternity leave in Ontario?

Full-time employees are entitled to 17 weeks of maternity leave, while part-time employees receive 12 weeks.

How is maternity leave pay calculated?

Maternity leave pay is calculated as 55% of your average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $575 per week for full-time employees.

Can I take maternity leave before my due date?

Yes, you can take up to 12 weeks of maternity leave before your due date if you need to care for your newborn.