Self-Employed Maternity Benefits - Ontario

Does anyone know much about the self-employed EI maternity benefits? I just started a new business only to get pregnant (quite unplanned) a month later. I immediately applied for the benefit, since I have 60 days to withdraw my application without fee. In my reading, I've learned that you need to pay into the program for a year before being able to collect the EI. Furthermore, you need to continue paying into the program for as long as the business is in business. I really have a hard time thinking that it will be worth it, especially since I won't get a good 6 months of benefits since I applied too late. I suppose if we have future children it could be worth it, but if this is the last, it won't be. Hopefully this isn't too rambly, but I would love other people's input and experiences with the program to help me make a decision.

Sorry, I don't know the maternity benefits part of self-employed EI contributions. Only remember that once you decide to contribute to EI premiums as self-employed, you have to keep on doing so.
Not sure how much is riding on getting the benefits to fulfill any financial commitments to the business you have unless it's all self-financed.
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/s...gibility.shtml

At least you know you will be able to get the child benefits after the birth is registered.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/menu-eng.html

Like someone else inquired about Quebec benefits once child is born, if the parents have employment income, there is a minimum level required to access a benefit from a program.

Thanks for your input Ciel :)

there is another forums that starts with red..look under careers and there is a sticky forum for EI. Ther are a few people that currently work for Ei and they are always helpful.

Wow! People over there aren't anywhere near as friendly or supportive as here! Thanks for the resource though :)

There are some friendlies. Probably takes some posting effort to see who they are.

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Originally Posted by Ciel

There are some friendlies. Probably takes some posting effort to see who they are.

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or Private Message someone called clsea I think at the other forums. he has been always helpful to me and gave me good information when I applied for EI when I moved to Regina

Thank you!