Would you give in on this?

[mimi]

While I understand that income is reduced for mat leave parents, it is not something they didn't know was coming. They should have saved for these weeks they wanted off. I would stick to your policy and tell them this money is owed. We can't finance mat leave parents, however, if you wanted to tell her you would wait for payment when her EI starts, that at least lets her know you are compassionate regarding their situation.