Maternity Disability Insurance

Maternity disability insurance works like other forms of disability insurance. It covers you for unexpected illness related to your pregnancy, providing a portion of your usual salary while you're unable to work.

Maternity disability insurance can help make ends meet if you get sick during pregnancy

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act

Sometimes women are afraid to seek pregnancy disability payments because they're afraid they'll be fired or otherwise discriminated against. However, pregnant employees have very specific rights which protect them from discrimination. If you're investigating the possibility of obtaining disability pay during your pregnancy, you'll want to know these rights.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It's a federal law, so it applies in every state. It says that:

• An employer can not refuse to hire you just because you're pregnant, as long as you can do the job.
• If a pregnancy-related condition forces you to miss work, your employer must treat you the same as any other disabled worker. That might include holding your job open, adjusting your responsibilities so you can return to work, or other accommodations that would be offered to workers with other disabilities (ask your employer for specific policies).
• Employer-sponsored health insurance must cover pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions.
• If temporary disability benefits are offered to workers with other disabilities, they must be offered for pregnancy-related disabilities as well.

What Counts as a Disability?

Pregnancy itself does not count as a disability since most women can work throughout their pregnancies. But there are a few pregnancy-related conditions that make it almost impossible to stay on the job. Severe morning sickness can keep you confined to home. Doctor-ordered bed rest means no going in to the office. These are some of the types of things maternity disability insurance is designed to cover. Policies generally also cover childbirth and complications from childbirth.

Obtaining Maternity Disability Insurance

If you're already covered by disability insurance through your job, maternity disability insurance should be included. Check with your employer, union, or insurance provider to make sure. Be aware that some employers offer unpaid disability leave, so don't assume that "pregnancy disability leave" includes a steady paycheck. What you need is maternity disability insurance, not just leave.

If you don't already have disability insurance, the time to obtain it is before you become pregnant. Insurance companies consider pregnancy a "pre-existing condition," so they'll be happy to cover your next pregnancy, but not a current one.

Choosing a Policy

Individual policies are available through many insurance companies. They'll usually cover only about half to two-thirds of your salary, but only if your pregnancy-related illness meets certain conditions. Most policies have time limits, as well. You may be covered for only six weeks of disability, so make sure you read the fine print carefully before you sign up to avoid any surprises.

Make Sure You Follow the Rules

If a pregnancy-related illness keeps you away from work, the money you'll get from maternity disability insurance may be crucial. You'll still need to pay your bills, not to mention the extra cost of health insurance co-pays for multiple doctor visits or a hospital stay. To be sure you get all the benefits you deserve, follow the rules carefully. Here are some important things to remember:

• Establish your policy before you get pregnant.
• Find out how long you need to hold the policy or work for your employer before your coverage kicks in.
• Find out what paperwork your employer and insurer need. You may need a note from your doctor with the expected length of your illness. You may also need to provide periodic updates, again signed by your doctor. Without the right paperwork, your benefits could be denied.
• Keep track of your time away from work. Know how long your benefits last so you'll be prepared financially in case you need additional unpaid leave. Be aware that sporadic days off may be counted in your total disability time.
• Don't try to take advantage. If you're well enough to go back to work, go. You might need your benefits later, plus your employer will appreciate your effort.

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