Purchase options

For leaves under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), you may be able to choose between two purchase options:

• Lump-sum payment after your leave ends
• Continuous contributions (about once a month) throughout your leave
  • Leaves under 30 days may not require you to make continuous contributions

If your ESA leave is taken in multiple periods:

• You may choose how to pay for each leave period.
• You may be able to make monthly contributions during each eligible period, if you apply within the required timelines.

For general leaves or other service types, you can only make a lump sum payment.

Which option is best for you?

You have two ways to pay when you buy service for an ESA leave. The right choice depends on what works best for your situation.

Option 1: Pay monthly during your leave

You may prefer smaller, more manageable payments spread out over your leave.

• Each payment is based on the salary you would have earned during that period.
• If your salary increases while you’re on leave, your payments may increase slightly.

Option 2: Pay a lump sum after your leave

You may prefer to pay the full cost in one payment after your leave.

• The cost is based on your salary and contribution rates when you apply.
• If you wait and your salary has increased, your total cost may be higher.

What to consider

Think about:

• Whether smaller payments during your leave or one payment after your leave works better for you.
• Whether you expect your salary to increase before you apply.
• When you want to apply to buy service.

There is no one best option. Choose the payment option that works for your situation. You may also want to talk to a financial advisor to help you decide.

To learn about your application deadlines, see the next section, What deadlines are involved.