Federal Medical Leave Act Policy
Don’t worry if your company doesn’t have a maternity policy, moms who live in the United States are covered by FMLA (Federal Medical Leave Act) unless your company offers a short term disability option. If you plan on using the federal or state mandated leave, find out what the exact laws are to determine how much leave that you are entitled too. FMLA allows you the ability to take off time from work to care for a newborn or an adopted child. The US law states that parents can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off to care for an immediate family member. There are a few rules that you must meet in order to qualify for FMLA in the US. FMLA secures your job or a related position, for the entire 12 weeks and your employer can’t replace you or fire you.
- Do you work for a company that has 50 or more employees in a 75 mile radius or do you work for a public agency at the federal, state, or local level?
- Have you worked for your current employer at least 12 months?
- Have you worked more than 1,250 hours in the last 12 months?
When Should I Turn in my Leave Paperwork?
You should ask this question to your human resources department to determine when they require your leave paperwork to be turned in by. If they don’t have a written policy, I would plan on filing the paper work sometime during your second trimester so that all of your paperwork is in order in case you deliver early. If you don’t have your paperwork in, you will have to worry about getting it turned in rather quickly or your spouse will have to do it for you if you are in the hospital so that you don’t get in trouble for an unauthorized absences. Turning in the paper work early will also reduce your stress and you are covered if you go into labor sooner than your due date.
What Happens If I Plan on Quitting my Job Once My Maternity Leave is Over?
If you are planning on quitting your job after you have taken your maternity leave, you need to find out if there are any requirements or restrictions if you are given paid maternity leave, especially, if you are considering quitting your job once your maternity leave is over. Some companies make your pay back your maternity leave benefits while others don’t, so it is important to find out exactly how your company handles this type of situation. Don’t rely on what other employees say or allow them to give you their interpretation of your companies policy; instead, ask human resources directly. You can ask them an open what if question without telling them that you are going to quit your job; if possible, ask to see a written policy and make a copy if possible.
Do Make Copies of All of Your Medical Leave Documents
Any paperwork that you give your employer, you should always keep a copy of the documents in case they are lost or misplaced. This will save you the hassle of getting another set of documents from your human resources department to take to your doctor for a second time. Having a set of documents also protects you in the event that any issues that arise. Make sure that you print out any email correspondence from your boss or human resources, if it relates to your maternity leave. Also, keep a copy of your notes from conversations that you have had regarding your maternity leave. Keep this copy in a file folder and take it home with you. This is for your protection in case the company decides to let you go while on maternity leave.
Enjoy your time off with your new baby!
Does you company offer paid maternity benefits?
Comments
12 responses to “Working Moms: Plan Your Maternity Leave Early”
I agree, maternity leaves should be carefully planned so that moms can make the most out of their time with the new baby/babies. 🙂
Yes, I agree. I remember my maternity leave went by pretty quickly so it is important for mom’s to enjoy the extra time off with their newborn, they are only tiny once.
Wow Christy,this is a great article! I had to share it on google. So many women learn the hard way because they didn’t plan ahead.
Many Blessings!
Thank you for sharing my post on Google Taylor, I really appreciate it.
This is super helpful information for pregnant, working moms! I wish in the USA we had longer maternity leave. In some countries, I understand, women take off a full year after the birth of a child. I think it’s important.
I agree, you are very lucky if you get paid time off these days.
As usual, these are great tips! I know I saw my doctor ALL THE TIME. Then I started getting really tired and asked my doctor to write me a note. She refused and 2 days later, I had to get a c-section. Weird, but I also say to trust your instincts. Your doctor can write you an early maternity leave note and have your benefits start early as well.
Yes, you are correct if your health is in jeopardy your doctor can put you on bedrest and your employer has to honor the request per FMLA.
I agree that keeping notes are important. Our HR manager who was very understanding and approved my doctor request for an early maternity leave left the company. Management tried to “encourage” me – pressure me really to stay longer. I had a doctors note and they could not force me to stay. I felt the pressure and disdain but followed doctors orders for my health & the health of my baby.
Wow, I can’t believe they tried to pressure you and make you feel guilty for taking your maternity leave.
Really helpful tips on being prepared ahead of time. You do have to know to be able to plan right.
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