Know How Maternity Leave Works
Every expectant mother currently holding down a career has questions regarding maternity-leave laws. How does it work and how long are you legally allowed to be away from your job? What about paternity leave and the Family Medical Leave Act? With all of the bits and pieces of information out there, it is enough to make your head spin. Get your facts straight and plan accordingly with this simple guide to maternity leave and how to do it right.
As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you will want to begin investigating the different rules and regulations within your own workplace.
The sooner you begin researching, the easier it is to arrange the first precious weeks with your baby and make sure all your bases are covered. It is ideal to have all paperwork completed and everything set in stone before you go into labor.
If your state’s maternity-leave laws require you to take short-term disability, do not despair. This works well for many new moms, as it ensures you will receive your salary (or a fair share of it) while you are caring for your child. Most corporations are mandated to provide short-term disability, not often making it an optional maternity-leave policy. This protects new moms in a lot of places where they otherwise would have no other option.
Most short-term disability is paid for by small subtractions from your paycheck during each pay period. You can also choose to buy your own private policy if you are concerned about parental leave and the way it works within your specific job structure.
Choosing When to Take Parental Leave
While it varies from state to state, federal laws ask you to put in your leave request approximately 30 days before you take it. However, most women choose to tell their bosses much earlier than this. Hiding your pregnancy is never a good idea, as you want to remain trustworthy to your employer before, during and following your maternity leave.
For this reason, as soon as the delicate first trimester is over and done with, most women choose to tell their employers. This also allows you ample time to work out details and take part in any negotiations if necessary.
Most women begin their maternity leave pay (if it’s an option) when they are eight months pregnant, though others choose to wait until their water literally breaks so they can have as much time off as possible. Your doctor can help you determine when it’s a good time to start your maternity leave. Thanks to the FMLA, you are legally allowed to start your unpaid leave anytime throughout your pregnancy. You can also choose to take it following the birth as long as your leave is complete and you are back at work full time within 12 months. If you are concerned about any confusion, talk to your boss or human resources department. Remember, if your company meets the employee population necessary for the Family Medical Leave Act, you cannot lose your job due to being a mom.
As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you will want to begin investigating the different rules and regulations within your own workplace.
The sooner you begin researching, the easier it is to arrange the first precious weeks with your baby and make sure all your bases are covered. It is ideal to have all paperwork completed and everything set in stone before you go into labor.
If your state’s maternity-leave laws require you to take short-term disability, do not despair. This works well for many new moms, as it ensures you will receive your salary (or a fair share of it) while you are caring for your child. Most corporations are mandated to provide short-term disability, not often making it an optional maternity-leave policy. This protects new moms in a lot of places where they otherwise would have no other option.
Most short-term disability is paid for by small subtractions from your paycheck during each pay period. You can also choose to buy your own private policy if you are concerned about parental leave and the way it works within your specific job structure.
Choosing When to Take Parental Leave
While it varies from state to state, federal laws ask you to put in your leave request approximately 30 days before you take it. However, most women choose to tell their bosses much earlier than this. Hiding your pregnancy is never a good idea, as you want to remain trustworthy to your employer before, during and following your maternity leave.
For this reason, as soon as the delicate first trimester is over and done with, most women choose to tell their employers. This also allows you ample time to work out details and take part in any negotiations if necessary.
Most women begin their maternity leave pay (if it’s an option) when they are eight months pregnant, though others choose to wait until their water literally breaks so they can have as much time off as possible. Your doctor can help you determine when it’s a good time to start your maternity leave. Thanks to the FMLA, you are legally allowed to start your unpaid leave anytime throughout your pregnancy. You can also choose to take it following the birth as long as your leave is complete and you are back at work full time within 12 months. If you are concerned about any confusion, talk to your boss or human resources department. Remember, if your company meets the employee population necessary for the Family Medical Leave Act, you cannot lose your job due to being a mom.