What are "maternity benefits" under Employment Insurance (EI)?

Maternity benefits under Employment Insurance (EI) are specifically designed to provide financial support to new mothers who are taking time off work due to pregnancy and childbirth. This assistance is crucial for supporting mothers during their maternity leave, allowing them to focus on their health and taking care of their newborn without the added stress of lost income.

The nature of maternity benefits is characterized by their intent to replace a portion of the income that mothers would normally earn while they are away from work, and the program is structured to ensure that eligible mothers have a financial safety net during this significant life transition.