Nik82 (9/5/2008)

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Had some time on my hands yesterday and I decided that I would make a spreadsheet to help you figure out approximately what you'll be getting from EI when you go on mat leave...After taxes even.  I tried to make it as easy as possible for EVERYBODY so there are 3 tabs, 1 for those on salary, 1 for those who get paid bi-weekly, and 1 for those who get paid weekly.  Melissa also suggested that we should have all the benefits, grants and subsidies in one place, so I added that as the 4th sheet.

Maybe one of the Administrators will be kind enough to Pin this?

If you have any suggestions, or you find any problems with the spreadsheet, let me know!  Or if I missed any Provincial Assistance programs let me know, and I'll add it to the list.

schrambony (9/8/2008)

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Just wanted to let you know that the MAX amount you can receive while on EI varies from city to city, province to province. For example, if you live in a high unemployment rate city, you get a higher rate then someone living in a city where employment is abundent.

In London and area, the max amount is around $435 a week.

Last time I checked forFort Mcmurray, it was around $319 a week.

It is based on the unemployment rate in your city at the time of your application being submitted, along with the number of hours you have worked in the last 52 weeks, and what your median rate of pay was over the last 6 months.

Other things to take into consideration are: Weeks off where you were employed, but did not work or receive money, weeks where you made less then normal amounts, vacation pay, etc.

ETA: A general rule of thumb that we tell to clients is to take your normal weekly wage, and divide it in half. Depending on your city, the max you'll be getting won't be more then $450 (the highest rate in Canada at this moment).

A top up (this was asked earlier) is when an employer chooses to add to your EI benefits. This can be done for any period of time, and for any amount, as long as combined with your EI benefits, it does not exceed your current wage. Most companies who offer a top up usually top up to 75% of your wage, for a period of 6 weeks. Really good companies with a strong plan will offer 90% for the duration of your maternity and parental benefits.

Another note to add-EI does not take off the proper amount fo taxes needed. When it comes time for you to file for Income tax, most people find they are owing. You can request to have your EI tax raised, but most choose to have a higher rate paid to them, and to pay it back later.

Also a note to keep in mind-you are allowed to earn wages while on EI benefits. You can make up to 25% of what EI is paying to you. Anything over this amount of taken off dollar for dollar. For example:

If you live in London and are receiving the max rate, $435 you can make up to $109. If you worked for one a day a week and made $125, you would bring home $419 before taxes for that week. This is good to know for those who want to work part-time while on their Mat/Parental leave, or for those wanting to ease back into the workforce.

Nik82 (9/8/2008)

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You say that you tell clients... do you work for HRDC Canada? Some of the things (I underlined) are contrary to what I was advised by HRDC.

schrambony (9/8/2008)

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I do work for Service Canada...I am a Payment Service Agent...which means I am the person who decides if you get money or not

All I wanted to do was to make sure everyone understands that deteriming a rate of pay isn't quite as simple as you make it seem. There are at least a HUNDRED variables that can change the rate of pay, and the EI ACT goes over all of these over several hundred pages. That is why we give the rule of thumb to clients. You can take two people who make the exact same wage, who live in the same city, and who have worked the same amount of time, and get two different rate of pays. It depends on a LOT of things. Your calculation is very close though.

schrambony (9/9/2008)

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No, its very good, I just wouldn't want to see someone holding it to heart and then being upset when they receive a lower amount (or happier if it is higher). Pregnant women can be emoitional-and they might take it out on you!