Generally, pregnancy is not considered to be a disability. However, because pregnancy is a medical condition, expectant mothers have some of the same legal rights and and protections as people with disabilities. If you are pregnant and have complications or your doctor orders bed rest, you might elect to take time off from work. If you do so, you might be able to receive benefits representing part of your usual income from your state if it offers disability insurance for pregnancy. You also might receive these types of benefits from private disability insurance that covers pregnancy.
Pregnancy Leave
Under the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you can take up to 12 weeks of leave from your job because of pregnancy and maternity. However, your employer is not required to pay you during your leave, and you should consider other options for bringing in income during your time off from work.
State Disability Insurance
In some states, you might be eligible for benefits under short-term disability insurance for pregnancy. If your state offers disability insurance for pregnancy, you will receive a percentage of your usual earnings, often between one-half and two-thirds of your salary up to a certain limit. In general, these payments last between four and six weeks. You contribute to your state's disability program through payroll tax deductions.
Private Disability Insurance
You might receive payments from disability insurance for pregnancy if your employer offers group disability insurance. Larger employers often offer this type of insurance, and these policies cover, on average, 60 percent of your income. However, these payments are taxable, and you might want to purchase a separate individual disability insurance policy that will supplement your group disability plan during pregnancy. You can purchase an individual policy even if you do not participate in group disability insurance through your employer.
Planning for Pregnancy
You might be required to use your sick or vacation days before receiving state benefits. This is also a consideration with regard to private disability insurance. If you choose to purchase individual disability insurance that will provide income during pregnancy, you should do so before becoming pregnant, as private insurers will not sell policies to expectant mothers.
Employer-Sponsored Benefits
You should have a financial plan in addition to, or instead of, relying on state or private disability insurance for pregnancy. One way to maintain your standard of living while pregnant and after giving birth is to take advantage of other benefits offered by your employer. Such benefits might include flexible spending accounts, into which you can make pre-tax contributions while working. You can use these funds to pay for uncovered medical expenses. The father of the baby might also be eligible to take paternity leave under the FMLA.
Low-Income Resources
You should also look into assistance for pregnant women if you have a very low income. This might include participation in Medicaid, which will help you pay for your pregnancy-related health-care costs. In addition, you might be eligible to receive free food under the federal Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program while you are pregnant. General financial planning for pregnancy, including use of disability insurance for pregnancy, will help you to avoid financial stress during what should otherwise be a happy time for you and your family.
