This may sound stupid but how does maternity leave work?

Question

How long can you take, how do you get paid if you do etc

I know everywhere is different but generally speaking

Answer 1

It depends on whether or not you have short term disability at work, and what type of policy you have. Most employers offer it and it allows you 6 weeks (it varies from policy to policy) of paid maternity leave at a percentage of your pay. My company paid me 80% of my normal salary while I was out on maternity leave and that's more than most. Most pay 60%-70%. Some employers allow you to use up the rest of your vacation time before kicking in the disability so you can receive 100% pay for those days. After maternity leave (your 6 weeks or whatever your policy determines) you are eligible for FMLA, Family Medical Leave Act, which provides you with an additional number of weeks on top of your disability to bring you to a grand total of 3 months off work without fear of losing your job. The "catch", however, is that FMLA is UNpaid leave from work and you no longer receive compensation. It's only good for holding your job in case you're not ready to return to work and place your child in daycare at 6 weeks old. It's entirely up to you as to whether or not you take FMLA.

Answer 2

I believe every company has to give you atleast 6 weeks and this starts from the time you have to take off work. For example if you are put on bed rest, I believe it kicks in then. Many companies are different so check with your HR department. Hope you have a good one.

Answer 3

I think generally you can take as much time as you want, within reason, and your job will still be secure for you. As to whether you will get paid while you are off depends of what your work policy is, if you have any leave, sick or annual. You will have to check with HR.

Answer 4

It depends on your job. Contact human resources. Some jobs will pay you a few weeks or some make you use vacation or sick time. With the FMLA (family medical leave act) you can take up to 3 months unpaid leave.

Answer 5

Where I work, you earn hours each pay period. You can use those hours as personal time, sick time or maternity leave. Once your hours are used up, you can be on unpaid leave. Most take 6 weeks as maternity leave.

Answer 6

You will have to contact your HR dept. honestly because each employer treats it different and each state is different.
My employer offers the 6wks, which ALL do, but I can take another 6wks {no questions} disability.

So you really need to communicate with your boss or the HR dept to get the correct and proper answers from their employer standard.
Best wishes

Answer 7

Every company is different! I hope yours is a good one.