Parental Leave Pay Calculator Ontario
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Ontario's parental leave pay program provides financial support to parents taking time off work to care for their newborn or newly adopted child. This calculator helps you determine your weekly and total parental leave pay based on your employment status and leave duration.
How Parental Leave Pay Works in Ontario
Parental leave pay in Ontario is designed to support working parents while they care for their children. The program provides:
- Up to 26 weeks of parental leave pay
- Weekly payments based on your employment status
- Flexibility to share leave between parents
Key Formula
Parental leave pay is calculated as:
Weekly Pay = (Average Weekly Earnings × 55%) × Leave Duration
Where:
- Average Weekly Earnings = Total earnings in the 52 weeks before leave / 52
- 55% is the standard rate for most employees
- Leave Duration = Number of weeks on parental leave
Payment Rates
The payment rate depends on your employment status:
- Regular employees: 55% of average weekly earnings
- Self-employed individuals: 55% of average weekly earnings
- Employees with less than 52 weeks of employment: Pro-rated based on available weeks
Maximum Duration
Parents can take up to 26 weeks of parental leave, which can be taken all at once or in shorter periods. The leave can be shared between both parents.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for parental leave pay in Ontario, you must meet these criteria:
- Be a resident of Ontario
- Have a child who is:
- Newborn (born within 12 months of the leave start date)
- Newly adopted (adopted within 12 months of the leave start date)
- Have worked in Ontario for at least 52 weeks in the 12 months before the leave start date
- Be employed by an Ontario employer
Important Note
Parental leave pay is not available to parents who have already used their Employment Insurance (EI) parental benefits.
How to Apply for Parental Leave Pay
The application process involves several steps:
- Contact your employer to discuss your parental leave plans
- Complete the Parental Leave Application form
- Submit required documents to your employer
- Receive approval and start your leave
Required Documents
You'll need to provide:
- Proof of employment
- Birth or adoption certificate
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much parental leave pay can I receive?
The amount depends on your average weekly earnings. Most employees receive 55% of their average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of 26 weeks.
Can I share parental leave with my partner?
Yes, you can share up to 26 weeks of parental leave between both parents. The leave can be taken consecutively or in shorter periods.
What happens if I need to return to work before completing my leave?
You can return to work at any time, but you must notify your employer in advance. Your leave benefits will be prorated based on the number of weeks you've taken.
Is parental leave pay taxable?
Yes, parental leave pay is considered employment income and is subject to income tax. Your employer will withhold the appropriate taxes.