Pregnancy & Parenting

Have any of you looked into this?

It's such a shame that in the United States, women aren't able to receive full pay for the minimal 6 week maternity leave (longer in some cases). In Europe, they have all kinds of benefits we could only dream about!

I haven't yet told my employer. He's a wonderful man and will be very supportive. I would actually like to propose that I work 3 days per week after having a week off, baby in tow... just for a few hours to get done what needs to get done. We're a very small company. This way maybe I can receive half of my pay and continue with my health insurance benefits. I'm sure it won't be a problem but honestly, it would be nice to know I could just stay home for 6 weeks, seek out good daycare for our newborn and just enjoy! It all comes down to the almighty dollar unfortunately!

I found this online:

Short Term Disability (STD) Insurance: The Basics
Short Term Disability (STD) is private insurance that replaces some of your income if an injury or illness prevents you from working. While you are away from work, it pays you a certain percentage of your income for a set period of time. Some employers provide group STD policies as part of their benefits packages. If your employer doesn’t offer STD, or you want additional coverage, you can buy an individual policy from an insurance agent. Every STD policy has different features. Your Human Resources department (or your insurance agent if you have an individual policy) is usually the best source of information about your specific plan.

Does your company have a Human Resources department?  If so, I would consult with someone in the HR department and ask for the specifics on your company's STD. 

Yes, you will have to research the STD policy with your company.  Luckily my firm pays for the 3 months maternity leave.

Good luck. 

It totally depends on the company, and the coverage.  Talk to HR.  If it is a company paid benefit, you're set.  For your own policy, calculate out how much it will cost your, versus the benefit that will be paid, then decide if it is worth it.

2 jobs ago, my company's STD policy covered 100% of the first 3 months, and 80% of the second 3, which I thought was EXCELLENT.

My current one, pays 65% of the first 6 months, but only up to a certain maximum salary.  I have to pay $5 a month to cover the gap up to my salary.  It is still only at 65% though.  :(

Man, I totally should have had kids while I was with that other company!

One thing to keep in mind that many people don't think about - if you get your own STD account, you will most likely be subject to a pre-existing condition waiting period which may exclude your pregnancy and childbirth from eligibility for payment of a claim.