Unemployment vs. Disability for Maternity Leave?

Question

Ok, heres the deal - I am pregnant with my second child, and when I first told my employer, they reduced my hours to 20 per week (that was awfully nice of them, wasn't it?). I have been collecting unemployment for the other 20 hours to compensate, because I wasn't expecting that to happen. Well, now I'm 8 and a half months and about to take my unpaid maternity leave but I guess dissability only pays 60% of my wages. My question is... should I just collect unemployment for all 40 hours now, or switch to dissability? I'm kinda new to this whole government paying my bills thing, so I don't really know what to do.

To all the rude ones who have chosen to assume I meant this in a 'white trash' sort of way... I've paid for it, I'm entitled to it. I'ts not that I can't AFFORD to have my baby, I'm fine in that respect, I just didn't count on being screwed when I need my job the most. My doctor is the one who suggested disability because I have a dislocation in my pelvic bones and will be delivering by cesarean section.

Answer 1

it is illegal (most of the time) for an employer to cut your hours because you are pregnant, (it doesn't apply if you are not a full time position according to the payroll department).

in the US California is the only state that has the option of pregnancy disability benefits. they only apply for doctor ordered bedrest, the birth, and the time you are in the hospital after the birth (you must use up all sick and vacation days to get disability payments and payments are NOT 100% of your normal paycheck).

social security disability insurance does not cover pregnancy (you must be 100% disabled to qualify for SSDI)

unemployment does not allow you to collect unless you are able and available to work, seeking work, do not quit any job, do not fail to accept a job offer and do not start school or training. If you collect while you are not able and available to work you will, be disqualified, and required to pay back any unemployment received, and also fined or sentenced to jail time for a fraudulent claim.

If you are not in the US the laws may be different

Answer 2

Unemployment Vs Disability

Answer 3

You may NOT draw unemployment and disability at the same time. And if your doctor is considering putting you on disability you need to notify your unemployment office immediately. Unemployment is for people who are ABLE and AVAILABLE to work regardless of whether or not they are working. If you are not A&A then you can possibly be considered committing fraud by unemployment standards.

You definately need to contact your U.I. office and let them know what's going on with you and your condition.

P.S. Employees DO NOT pay anything for unemployment out of their checks or pockets. EMPLOYERS pay the taxes that cover U.I. benefits

Answer 4

You can't collect unemployment for all 40 hours unless you are fired. And I'm pretty darn sure pregnancy or having a new baby isn't considered disability, or every new mother would take extra time off after the birth and let the government pay her bills.

You may be able to pursue legal action if your company cut you to part time due to your pregnancy. The same thing happened to a woman I know, and she was awarded $10,000.

Answer 5

In most situations if you aren't available to work you wouldn't qualify for unemployment benefits. You should check with them before your leave starts so that you could get the paperwork in for the disability payments. You pay into both programs from your paycheck so it isn't the government paying your bills. It is the insurance you have been paying for out of every paycheck you have ever recieved.

Answer 6

Not so sure that what they did was legal unless they had another reson for cutting your hrs. Not sure what to day about the unemployment, but as funny as the governmentis about disability and such, unlesss you have to take an extended maternaty leave do to health problems concerning you or you r child, not sure if they will accept the disability app. good luck

Answer 7

how about you dont rely on free handouts.........where is the man who got you into this whole mess and why isnt he providing for you? you have had 9 months to figure out what to do.....im currently 25 weeks and wont be paid maternity leave either and im saving up money out of every check from now on and also sold my car this month :( that way it saves the car payments and insurance bill every month. Its a baby your gonna have to make sacrifices!

Answer 8

Call the department that issues your unemployment check, they will be able to tell you what will work best for you in your situation.

Answer 9

DISABILITY?
ASK UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE..