Maternity Leave Ontario Calculator 2018

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

Overview of Ontario Maternity Leave

Ontario's maternity leave program was introduced to support working mothers by providing paid time off to care for a new child. The program was last updated in 2018, and this calculator uses the 2018 regulations to help you understand your entitlements.

The maternity leave program is designed to provide eligible employees with:

Paid time off to care for a new child
Protection against discrimination during the leave
Support for returning to work after the leave

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Ontario maternity leave, you must meet the following criteria:

Be employed by an Ontario employer
Have worked for your employer for at least 52 weeks in the 12 months before the expected due date
Be expected to give birth to a child
Have a medical certificate confirming your pregnancy

Important Note

Employees who have worked for their employer for at least 26 weeks in the 12 months before the expected due date may be eligible for parental leave instead of maternity leave.

Duration of Maternity Leave

The duration of maternity leave depends on your employment status and the birth date of your child. The standard entitlements are:

Full-time employees: 17 weeks of paid leave
Part-time employees: Pro-rated leave based on hours worked

You can take the leave in one continuous period or in separate periods, but you must take at least 10 weeks of leave within the first 12 months after the birth of your child.

Calculation Formula

For full-time employees, the duration is fixed at 17 weeks. For part-time employees, the duration is calculated as:

Maternity Leave Duration = (17 weeks) × (Hours Worked per Week / 35 hours)

Pay Entitlements

During your maternity leave, you are entitled to receive:

Your regular wages, up to the maximum weekly amount set by the government
Any overtime pay you would have earned
Any bonuses or commissions you would have earned

The maximum weekly amount for maternity leave pay in 2018 was $657.50.

Pay Calculation

Your weekly pay during maternity leave is calculated as:

Weekly Pay = Minimum(Your Regular Weekly Pay, $657.50)

How to Use This Calculator

To use this calculator, follow these steps:

Enter your regular weekly pay
Select your employment status (full-time or part-time)
If part-time, enter the number of hours you work per week
Click the "Calculate" button

The calculator will display your maternity leave duration and estimated weekly pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for Ontario maternity leave?: You should discuss your maternity leave entitlements with your employer. They will provide you with the necessary forms and guidance.
Can I take maternity leave before my baby is born?: Yes, you can take up to 12 weeks of maternity leave before your baby is born, but you must take at least 10 weeks of leave within the first 12 months after the birth.
What happens if I return to work before completing my maternity leave?: If you return to work before completing your maternity leave, you may be entitled to additional pay for the remaining weeks of leave.
Can I take maternity leave if I have more than one child?: Yes, you can take maternity leave for each child you have, but you must meet the eligibility requirements for each child.
What if I don't qualify for maternity leave?: If you don't qualify for maternity leave, you may be eligible for parental leave or other types of leave provided by your employer.