Maternity Leave
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Maternity leave is the period of time a mother gets off work to take care of her newborn baby. Many companies also have policies for fathers to have maternity as well. This is created from a variety of benefits that include sick leave, vacation, holiday time, short-term disability and unpaid family leave time.
It is important to plan your leave so that family members don't experience unexpected financial problems. It is possible to spend most of your time with your baby.
Short-Term Disability
This is a coverage that pays your salary (at least some of it) for a limited number of weeks for medical needs. Large benefits may include this benefit or require it in your benefits in some states. This can be purchased by your local insurance provider. Percentages and lengths may vary. It is offered by complications in birth such as cesarean delivery. It is important to confirm on what it may cover.
Sick, Vacation, and Holiday time
Some companies may let you use these toward your leave, and require that you use these before any disability or unpaid time. Be sure to confirm the policies with your Human Resource Department about using these says along with your leave. Question on how this is used with disability and unpaid leave.
How Unpaid Leave Works
The FMLA ( Family and Medical Leave Act) states that companies must allow their employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave after the birth of their child. It applies to both men and women and those able to adopt a child. The time will be divided if both parents work for the same company. There are exceptions which releases the company from the obligations of allowing unpaid time off. This may include the size of the company (50 or less), at least 12 months of employment, and top 10% level of wages. Employees with the income of the top 10% of wages may not have access to the unpaid benefit if the business has proof that your absence creates harm to the company.
Families that can afford this, unpaid leave is a great opportunity.
When to take your maternity leave
Some take their leave one week before expected birth for discomfort and for time to prepare. Others may wait till last minute to maximize leave time. FMLA requires a 30 day notice for the employer.
Recommendations
To make your leave the best for you and your employer:
It is important to plan your leave so that family members don't experience unexpected financial problems. It is possible to spend most of your time with your baby.
Short-Term Disability
This is a coverage that pays your salary (at least some of it) for a limited number of weeks for medical needs. Large benefits may include this benefit or require it in your benefits in some states. This can be purchased by your local insurance provider. Percentages and lengths may vary. It is offered by complications in birth such as cesarean delivery. It is important to confirm on what it may cover.
Sick, Vacation, and Holiday time
Some companies may let you use these toward your leave, and require that you use these before any disability or unpaid time. Be sure to confirm the policies with your Human Resource Department about using these says along with your leave. Question on how this is used with disability and unpaid leave.
How Unpaid Leave Works
The FMLA ( Family and Medical Leave Act) states that companies must allow their employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave after the birth of their child. It applies to both men and women and those able to adopt a child. The time will be divided if both parents work for the same company. There are exceptions which releases the company from the obligations of allowing unpaid time off. This may include the size of the company (50 or less), at least 12 months of employment, and top 10% level of wages. Employees with the income of the top 10% of wages may not have access to the unpaid benefit if the business has proof that your absence creates harm to the company.
- Determine a state family mandate.
- Find policies and restrictions on the benefits used for maternity leave.
- Check with your boss
- Check if any of your benefits change while you are on leave.
Families that can afford this, unpaid leave is a great opportunity.
When to take your maternity leave
Some take their leave one week before expected birth for discomfort and for time to prepare. Others may wait till last minute to maximize leave time. FMLA requires a 30 day notice for the employer.
Recommendations
To make your leave the best for you and your employer:
- Check with your Human Resource Department about the details on your maternity leave options. It will help you plan the best options for your leave.
- Evaluate with your partner about what time to take off.
- After the 1st trimester check with your Human Resource Department and anyone who is affected by the leave.
- Provide suggestions and strategies to address duties while gone. Help can overcome concerns previously noted.