Pregnancy & Benefits in the US vs. Canada?

[Udella&Wiz 325]

So heres a ?..Our petition just left friday for the montreal consulate.. We just found out a few weeks ago Im pregnant..Timing sucks obviously my beautiful wedding dress prob wont fit..blah blah blah...

If I go on Mat leave early before we move..Can it continue? I know you can get EI in some cases? (not a happy healthy pregnant person at all..past 2 babes have meant lots of hospitalizations for rehydration and nutrition)

Thoughts anyone?

There was someone here who started Mat leave EI before she moved...hopefully they'll chime in

[SapphireDreams 71]

There was someone here who started Mat leave EI before she moved...hopefully they'll chime in

I think it was Colleens.

I think in your case, you'll probably want to call EI and find out what your options are.

I'm assuming that if you can start your maternity leave early (not sure what the rules are on that) then you can probably continue the benefits after you move but they might have to stop the payments during the period of after you move and when you get your EAD card. Not sure how that would work.

[Kimbear 53]

Thank you for all the kind word adn thoughts for my friend megan.. She appreiciates them.

Her son is now 2 weeks old and growing like a titan. lol BUT she just got her bill from the hospital, $11000. EEK!!!

This is what she wrote:

"Just got the hospital bill. Almost $11,000. My question is this.. How can they charge so much if I did all the work!!!! I pushed out the ham I should get paid!"

LOl luckily she still has a sense of humour. Oh and i never said but this is of couse in Illinois..Chicago Subburbs.

[neiks 19]

There was someone here who started Mat leave EI before she moved...hopefully they'll chime in

Yes, you can collect your EI benefit in the US. I did. My situation was a little different as I continue to work in Canada but I do beleive if you have paid into EI that previous year that you will get the EI payments. Once you do not return to work after your maternity/paternity leave and pay no longer work in Canada and pay into EI then of course you would not be entitled to it after for your next child.

EI eligibility for maternity/paternity benefits is different than the regular EI (for layoffs, etc) criteria where you have to be present in Canada and available for work.

Best to contact Service Canada directly and they can assist you in getting it arranged.