COVID-19: Expectant parents worried for their maternity benefits

While COVID-19 was at its peak, many who were immuno-compromised or pregnant were advised by their doctors to remain at home. As the pandemic continues, expectant mothers are now worried they will not make the required amount of hours in order to collect the EI maternity benefits.

Toronto employment lawyer and partner Lior Samfiru at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP spoke with Global News on the concerns of expectant parents and the options the Canadian Federal government should be considering.

Questions from Expecting Parents during COVID-19

• Will I be able to work up until the delivery date?
• Will I have enough hours to collect maternity or parental benefits?
• Will my employer make an adjustment to the 600-hour rule?

“I don’t know why they haven’t simply said that you will be able to get the CERB because it’s essentially the same amount that you would get from EI, ” Samfiru states. “It’s roughly 500 dollars a week and that’s a system that’s separate from EI. So, perhaps that’s the easiest solution.”