Told work I was pregnant..no paid Maternity Leave?

Question

I just told my work that I was pregnant. I wanted to make sure that all of my bases were covered when it came to my Maternity Leave in February. HR informed me that I can not get paid Maternity Leave.....Which is really not good, and it totally stressing me out now. They told me I should have applied for it waaayyyy back earlier this year. Umm...I am beyond excited about this baby, but I will admit that it was not completely planned. How was I supposed to know I should have elected ML before I was even pregnant...Anyone else feeling or going through the same thing...I feel totally (don't mean to say this) but screwed. (I have been at my job for 2 years)

I live in Nebraska. I have checked FMLA and I would get the weeks off UNPAID. Here, I believe it is up to the employer on whether they offer paid leave, which they do not. And it makes things a little difficult, especially if you are a single parent. I can't imagine what they expect me to do...go in, have the baby and come back the next day?!

Answer 1

That sucks, but it's pretty typical. If you have the sick leave saved you can take it when you deliver, but otherwise you are screwed.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm moving to Canada! Wow!

Answer 2

I know exactly how you feel. I am 8 weeks and I just told my employer as well. They proceeded to basically tell me to screw off because they do not offer maternity leave unless you have selected it from the previous year. I guess I was supposed to know I was going to get pregnant. The FMLA is unpaid, AND they do not allow part time, so after the baby is born (in March) I will have no where to work, and not get paid for any of the time that I am working here... I feel ya,

Answer 3

I'm a HR Generalist maybe I can help you out. Now I'm taking a complete guess on a few things because I don't know your company's polices or what type of benefits they offer or what state you live in (if you live in California, ignore my message). You are eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid leave under FMLA, but the only way usually people get paid for the time that they will be out is if you signed up for short term disability when you either became eligible for benefits with your company or during your company's "open enrollment" period. Now if you didn't do those things I could understand your HR person telling you that you won't get paid while you are on leave. I hope that helps.

Answer 4

Were I was working they did not offer paid maternity leave at all, and I can not collect disability were I am living. The only thing they could not do was fire me or fill my job while I was on maternity leave. They gave me 6 weeks, but the DR gave me 3 months. I would find out what your state offers, I know each is a little different. GOOD LUCK


Maybe while you are on your leave since it wont be paid and you cant get disability, contact humane services and WIC they maybe able to help you while you are not earning any money.

Answer 5

that's a hard question to answer. As far as I know it also depends what state you are living in. Even if your employer does not offer paid maternity leave for some reason the State might.
Although it sound strange that you should not be able to apply for maternity leave anytime in your pregnancy. Try getting a better explanation from your employer as to WHY you should have applied long ago.
Try a Google search with the search words: Maternity Leave and the state you live in. Good luck to you - pregnancy is stressful enough as is!!

Answer 6

I am in the same boat I only get to use sick / vacation time for maternity leave however this is a new office where I work and I have only accumulated 7 days so far. I live in VA which has no benifits for maternity leave. I think it is rediculous if I were out of work for excessive migraines I could get disability, pop a baby out and need time to heal and I get nothing.

BTW FMLA only provides for UNPAID maternity leave, it just means they cant fire you for up to 12 weeks while you are gone, they have to hold your job but they dont have to pay you.

Answer 7

I am 35 weeks pregnant and work for a company that does not offered paid leave. Though I will get my one feel week of paid vacation, that really doesnt do too much. Thanks to the FMLA ill be guaranteed my job after 12 weeks off, but as a single mom myself how the heck am I supposed to be able to afford 12 weeks off?! Just start pinching pennies now, and save as much as you can so that you can afford to take off a few weeks at least. Plus, hopefully you can lean on friends/family. I am moving back in with my parents actually (and im 24, it takes a LOT to suck up my pride and do whats best for baby) but you gotta do what you gotta do. I wish you the best!

Answer 8

I would definitely look into the laws for your state, although sadly a lot of times it is left up to the employer. I only get 2 weeks paid, so I am using my 2 weeks vacation time so I can take a full month. I could take more time, but it would be unpaid as well and I just can't afford that!

Good luck at figuring something out, I really wish employers were more accomodating to expectant mothers.

Answer 9

wow yeah i don't know anybody that thinks to ask for maternity leave paid before getting pregnant. That is just weird. All jobs are required to let you off for 6-8 wks even if it is unpaid but after 2 years you should have paid maternity leave. Never heard of having to apply for it before pregnancy, so many unplanned pregnancies can happen. Does it state anything about that in your handbook for your job?

Answer 10

Look up the FMLA. I believe they say that you are not required to notify your employer until 30 days before your due date. Therefore you'd think you gave plenty of time. Just google FMLA and also read your employee handbook. I've never heard of someone being somewhere for 2 years and not get anything. Good luck!!!
( I am assuming you're in the USA..I don't know the laws of other countries)

Answer 11

Its actually short term disability (threw Cigna insurance that is what covers you while out on maternity leave. It only covers 60% but its still something) you should have signed up for, and for the fact that wasn't brought up to your attention... maybe your work needs a new HR. Last month when I got placed full time, my HR went over EVERYTHING with me and what it covered and didn't cover. Perhaps you should call your insurance company and see what they can do to help you. Other then that I'm sorry for you having to work with a shitty HR department. Best of luck.