Does EI (maternity) count towards or against income for sponsorship of parents?

[spicymum]

Hi,

Please does EI benefits received during maternity/paternity leave count towards or against one's income in determining whether one meets the income requirements for this program (ie LICO + 30%)?

Please someone with experience, help me!! I have tried to find this information myself (CIC website, CIC Call Centre, etc) but have FAILED.

Thanks.

 

[screech339]

I am not 100% sure but I think EI does count as it is part of total income in line 150. CIC is only interested in the total gross income in line 150. However EI only provide about 55% of your total employment income up to a max value $524 / week. EI may or may not be enough to cover PGP LICO income requirement, depending on family size.