What are my options? (Ontario specific, but any advice will help)

I don't qualify for short-term disability through my work. I can't afford to take 18 month mat leave. Keeping my son home from daycare is not an option (loves it so much and needs to be on a strict schedule which the daycare provides). I have to go on leave early due to high risk and other things affecting my ability to do my job safely and to the best of my ability. When I try going on EI it just takes me to maternity leave.

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Ei is maternity leave in Ontario, you being pregnant it will automatically go to maternity leave. I’m not sure what other options there are as my maternity leave ran out before my 12 months

I'd recommend getting Service Canada on the phone

Look into sick leave. I believe you can get sick leave for pregnancy through EI if it is Dr approved? Not 100% sure but I've heard some other folks have done this

Even if it let you take ei it takes away from the amount of weeks you are eligible for mat leave. That’s why mine ran out months early. Didn’t know it did that until I had payments stop

If it's due to high risk, you should qualify for sick leave EI. Ask your midwife/OB for a note. It will not impact your maternity/parental EI. I know this because I did this with my first. 13 weeks of sick EI and then standard maternity/parental leave.

I second getting Sercive Canada on the phone, they can go through your options with you. It doesn't take long on hold to get someone in my experience, I've had to call them before. Is there a reason why you don't qualify for short term disability through your work? Something feels off about that, because you're high risk.

I agree that it'd be easier and faster and clearer to call them directly!!

High risk sounds like sick leave? I was on sickness benefits for 7 weeks before mat leave. You will need a letter from your OB/doctor. The process is simple and your benefits will automatically turn into maternity once your due date hits. Hope this helps.

Take sick leave from work? Get a doctors note? Your work should have some paid sick leave

@Jadie I don't qualify

You qualify for EI sickness benefits with a note from your OB if you are high risk, there really is nothing they can do at that point. This what my OB told me when I was high risk. The only way you wouldnt qualify is if you haven't completed 600 hours of work, and if that case you won't qualify for Mat leave either.

@Ashley this is a good option and you could also ask them about sick leave before you start your maternity leave

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