Information on Maternity and Parental Benefits
Contact
Geneviève Mélançon
genevieve.melancon@nbtffenb.ca
506-452-1765
Useful Information
Step 1: Maternity and Parental Leave Form
Upon the confirmation of the date of birth, please fill out the online Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave Form and submit it to the NBTF at least two months prior to your due date. The NBTF will fill an official Maternity, Parental or Adoption Leave Form and forward a copy to you, your district, the NBTA and Johnson Insurance. The form will specify the dates of the benefits to which you are entitled under our Collective Agreement and Employment Insurance.
Once you receive a copy of the official leave Form, it is important that you examine the dates closely to make sure you understand and agree with them. Also, please keep a copy of the form for your records in order to complete your request for benefits with Service Canada.
Step 2: Application for Employment Insurance Benefits
Your claim must be processed on the date indicated on your form in order to prevent any delays in the payment of your benefits. This request can be made online by clicking here or in person at your local Service Canada office.
The school district will forward your Record of Employment (ROE) directly to Service Canada.
If you have any questions about the information on your form, please do not hesitate to contact Geneviève Mélançon at 506-452-1765.
Step 3: Changes to your due date or sick leave
Each pregnancy is unique.
In certain situations, your due date may change or you may be placed on sick leave from work by your doctor. Should this happen, it is imperative that you inform the NBTF so that changes can be made to your maternity or parental leave form.
The NBTF will guide you through the different options that are available to you should you wish to start your leave earlier, use sick days from the employer or access EI sick leave benefits, depending on the situation.
Details on the Benefits
Collective Agreement Benefits
Pregnancy
In case of pregnancy, a teacher is entitled to thirty (30) teaching days leave at full pay.
Parental
A teacher (other parent) is entitled to five (5) teaching days leave at full pay upon the birth of their child. This leave must be taken with 21 calendar days of the birth of the child.
Adoption
A teacher adopting a child is entitled to ten (10) teaching days leave at full pay.
Part of these benefits can be used to cover the required waiting period for Employment Insurance.
Maternity Benefits from Employment Insurance
Maternity benefits are only available to the person who is away from work because they’re pregnant or have recently given birth. They cannot be shared between parents.
The person receiving maternity benefits may also be entitled to parental benefits.
Parental Benefits from Employment Insurance
Parental benefits are available to the parents of a newborn or newly adopted child.
You must choose between 2 options:
- Standard parental benefits
- Extended parental benefits
Your choice determines the number of weeks and the weekly amount you’ll receive.
If sharing, each parent must choose the same option and submit their own application. Parents can receive their weeks of benefits at the same time or one after another.
Once you start receiving parental benefits, you cannot change options.
Benefits Overview
| Benefit name | Maximum weeks | Benefit rate | Weekly max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity (for the person giving birth) | up to 15 weeks | 55% | up to $638 |
Maternity benefits can be followed by parental benefits. You can apply for both at once.
| Benefit name | Maximum weeks | Benefit rate | Weekly max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard parental | up to 40 weeks1, but one parent cannot receive more than 35 weeks of standard benefits | 55% | up to $638 |
| Extended parental | up to 69 weeks2, but one parent cannot receive more than 61 weeks of extended benefits | 33% | up to $383 |
1 The partner can apply for up to 5 weeks of standard parental benefits to care for the baby.
2 The partner can apply for up to 8 weeks of extended parental benefits to care for the baby.
Other Details
Group Insurance Plan
You can maintain your group insurance coverage while on maternity leave. To do so contact the Group Insurance Office (458-1981) or (1-888-851-5500) as soon as possible if you wish to retain or modify your coverage. A VOID cheque will be required in order to withdraw premiums directly from your bank account.
Premiums must be paid on a monthly basis or coverage will be cancelled.
It is important to note that changes in coverage must be made while actively at work; otherwise, no changes will be made until you return to work.
Problems with Service Canada
Because of recent privacy laws, the NBTF needs your written consent in order to contact HRDC on your behalf. Should you have any problems in dealing with staff at HRDC, the NBTF recommends that you follow these simple steps:
- Call Service Canada and request explanations;
- Make sure to note the name of the person you are speaking too. This information could be essential in order to solve the problem;
- If possible, request that a case worker from New Brunswick return your call;
- Should you not get the expected results, contact the NBTF to obtain a consent form so that we can follow-up on your behalf.
Remember, teachers are paid for 195 teaching days. Summer pay is a residual and not new earnings. Teachers are not paid for Christmas or March breaks (even though pays are divided into 26 pay periods).
Teachers are not entitled to receive maternity leave or sick leave during non teaching periods. However, regular maternity and parental benefits will be paid during those periods.
Special Provisions for Schedule C, D and E Contract Teachers
Teachers who have a Schedule C, D or E contract and who become pregnant are entitled to the same maternity benefits under Article 33 (A) of the Collective Agreement. However, your due date may affect when the 30 paid days may be taken. It is important to fill out your maternity leave form prior to the end of your contract.
For any other questions, please contact Geneviève Mélançon at 506-452-1765.
