Question by unicornfyre: Question about Short Term Disability & Maternity Leave?
So, I work for a small company (5 employees) and they do not currently offer short term disability. I am interested in getting it, as my hubby and I plan on getting pregnant within the next few months. I just raised the question at our company meeting this morning and I was told to send the owner an email to look into it. His email is a black hole of nothingness so I don’t expect to get anything done that way. So I have started filling the whole “Send me a quote” things on the website to have them sent to myself. What I need from you guys is some info/feedback which companies do/don’t offer the following:
1) Maternity Coverage
2) At what % of income
3) for how long? (6 week normal, 8 week c-section?)
4) how long did you have to be a policy holder for before you were covered
5) is this through your business or personal.. and if you can tell me how much that would be awesome
And for any of you insurance agents out there who may read this, we’re located in Pennsylvania and looking for any reasonable quotes you may be able to offer.
yeah so if i saved $ 200/month until i got 3 months worth of salary built up we’re looking at me not getting pregnant for 5 years, so I’d be 36 so thats really not an option.
Also – I’ve already had one c-section and plan to have another, so im not sure how a giant gash across my abdomen after major abdominal surgery doesn’t count as a disability especially if my doctor says I’m not allowed to drive for 6+ weeks, and my job is all driving.
Best answer:
Answer by mbrcatz
Most will offer maternity coverage at double the rate, but will require at least 20 employees. You might not GET maternity coverage with a group that small.
Percentage of income varies by state, it’s usually 60% or 70%. The time of payment varies, also. Keep in mind, MOST maternity leave isn’t a “disability” issue – it’s a normal process.
PRIVATE disability coverage, you’ll have to carry it at least a full year, before getting pregnant, for the pregnancy to be covered – it’s effectively a pre-paid plan, and you can do the same yourself.
I’m an agent, I’ve had three children, and I’ve NEVER had paid maternity leave or short term disability coverage, to cover a pregnancy.
Odds are, you’re just going to have to pay yourself the $ 200 a month or so, until you have enough in the kitty to cover your lost income for a planned three month absence.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!