Maternity Leave - simple?

rlteddy · July 2009

I called Service Canada and they told me I don't have to fill any paper work out for my mat leave ahead of time. I just call on the first day I start and file a return.... is this really all there is to it ? ? It just seems too simple??

albertabride06 · July 2009

I just got off the phone with them as well. I'm a little different becuase I am on sickness leave right now prior to starting my mat leave. You can fill out the application online, enter your reason for applying for EI, finish the form and then wait until you get a letter in the mail from EI. It is very simple just make sure you apply right away even if you don't have your ROE when you apply they are currently taking 1 - 28 days to process claims.

CBL · July 2009

albertabride06:
It is very simple just make sure you apply right away even if you don't have your ROE when you apply they are currently taking 1 - 28 days to process claims.

That's likely business days. It took Dave 6 weeks to reactivate his original EI claim. There was nothing to be approved, as it was already done. It just took that long for someone to go over the file.

A family member's took 8 weeks Indifferent

jenber77 · July 2009

rlteddy:
I called Service Canada and they told me I don't have to fill any paper work out for my mat leave ahead of time. I just call on the first day I start and file a return.... is this really all there is to it ? It just seems too simple?

Yep, it really is pretty simple. Just make sure to get them your record of employment as soon as you get it from your employer.

I filled out the online application on the first day of my leave and received my access number in the mail within days. I took my ROE to a Service Canada office in person as soon as I got it (one week into my leave), and I received my first EI payment three weeks into my leave. I was impressed.

Not sure my experience is typical, though!