LoveToKnow Pregnancy:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Pregnancy

Comments

Lori,

unfortunately, if you didn't get anything in writing, I don't think there is much that you can do. Small companies aren't obligated to provide the same benefits and leave as larger companies. You could try contacting an employment lawyer who specializes in FMLA who can advise you better.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

I work for a one owner corporation, and asked my boss around a month before my due date if he would be paying me maternity leave and he told me not to worry about it, then just recently asking again one week prior he told me he wasn't going to based on decreased sales so what should I do about this?

-- Contributed by: lori

Re; Unemplyment, I just wanted to correct a common misconception. You do not automatically lose the right to unemployment if you quit. In many states, if you quit due to certain working conditions you may still be eligible. This is not to say you should rely on gettign unemployment, but if you have already had to leave a job, don't just assume you are ineligible.

-- Contributed by: ernie

Amanda,

if the job is causing too much stress and is affecting your health and pregnancy, you may be able to get your doctor to put you on disability. Otherwise, you could always quit but will end up losing your benefits if you get them through your employer.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

Andrea,

you should probably keep looking for a job that you can do while you are pregnant. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against you due to your pregnancy, but you might want to wait until you are further along in the interview process to bring it up.

As for the continuation of your EI, you will need to contact the insurance company or human service group that provides it to find out what they cover.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

I would like to stop working for my current employer, I am over stressed and most days I work I end up getting sick. I don't know what I can do, I just know that I don't want to be putting my baby thru any of this.

-- Contributed by: Amanda

I was laid off from my job; and im actively looking for work; this is work in itself. I just found out im pregrant 1 1/2 months to be exact. I started my EI 2 months ago; should i continue to find a job so ican get maternity leave once im 8 months pregnant. How should i go about this; could i continue on EI after i have the baby?

Thanks allot Andrea

-- Contributed by: Im in unemployement insurance

Kate, You're in a tough situation. Most companies don't offer maternity leave benefits until you have been with them for a year, so it's unlikely that you will be able to find a job that will give you benefits. As for unemployment, you probably also don't qualify for that since you are leaving your job on your own. Unemployment is usually only for employees who have been fired or laid off.

You will probably need to look for a job that you can do while you are pregnant and try to work out something with your new employer if you want to return to the job after you have the baby. After you move, you should contact the human services department in your new town and find out if you qualify for any benefits or assistance.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

Megan, I have to admit that I don't know a lot about maternity benefits in Canada and this type of question is probably better off with the experts. You can learn more about the leave laws and contact the Service Canada office through this link.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

I'm 5 months pregnant, we are moving out of the area, and my last day of work is May 22nd. I have been looking for a new job, but realize that I may not find one due the economy and my showing belly. Even if I land one, I realize I may not qualify for maternity leave for being with a company such a short time. I'm trying to get unemployment when I leave my current company, but what if I don't qulify, or if I do, how long will it last? If I do qualify, should I still look for a job-but then I'm back to the first question-what do I do once I need to leave to have the baby? Do I have any other options that I may qualify for? If so, what? Or is there any other advice on what I should do? -worried

-- Contributed by: Kate

Will taking short term disability affect the amount of money you get when you are on maternity leave in canada

-- Contributed by: Megan

Amina, if your company has a human resources department, make sure you are dealing directly with them. If your general manager has it, it may not be a priority to them.

If that doesn't work, you may need to contact an employment law lawyer in your area or look for an employment rights organization. They should be able to help you get the benefits you deserve.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

I live in cape town, south africa. I just recently had a baby girl and applied for my maternity benefits the company i work for is suppose to fill in the necessary form but they keep prolonging. What can i do if they don't want to fill in the forms? I would really appreciate it if you could email me and tell me wat to do... Thank you

-- Contributed by: Amina

Tara, I believe your unemployment benefits will expire on the expected due date, regardless of you having a baby. Your baby, however, may be covered through your state's assistance programs. Contact your local unemployment office and your state's office of aid to see if you qualify for anything else.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

This is probably a stupid question since i know the most likely answer, but here goes. I got fried for my job for unfair reasons so i am now recieving unemployment benefits. I hope to find a new job really soon, but with the way the economy is and me being over 5 months pregnant, luck can onlyplay on that one. Now, the amount of time i am able to collect unemployment extends to after i give birth ( if i did not find a new job by then), will my benefits automatically be disqualified once i give birth because i would be considered unable to work? i know the answer is most likely yes, but if anyone has any feedback i'd really appreciate it

-- Contributed by: tara

Jenny, since you live in Wisconsin, you could try contacting the the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, which is linked here. There is a link on the page for contact info and they might have a branch in your town that you can work with.

I'm afraid I can't offer much more help than that as employment law is very complicated and varies from state to state and even employer. But, make sure you don't do work that you feel would jeopardize your pregnancy.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

Hi, well employer is now demanding I get a note from Dr saying I can work at full capacity or I can't work. The thing is I can't do the full, only light duty. I was wondering if the employer has to offer light duty if there is light duty for other employees who fall under lifting restrictions. The whole discrimination thing. I feel as if they are trying to force me into maternity leave and if I take leave now I will not have enough after baby is born and will lose my position. I don't know where to go for clarification of the rules/laws and our company doesn't have a policy in writing yet. Also the boss is upset with me as I reported her for something to her boss, wonder if this is playing a factor? Please help, have enough worries as it is!

-- Contributed by: jenny

Holly, I took some of the ideas you suggested the last time and found a few ways to get a couple bucks. I am currently going to school for my nursing license and have found selling my old textbooks through online sites gets me a little money back. I also have gone through the family finances and have been able to cut some costs with the satelite bill, and with refinancing some loans so it will save use almost $300 a month. Also started grocery shopping at local Aldi store and limiting us to the bare essentials. You were right about having to get creative. Anyway I am still working as really can not afford to take leave yet, but have cut back significantly on hours. I am only working between 2-4 days a week. Some are only 4 hr shifts. My boss said that if I can't do my full job duties then I can't work. I have a very physical job full of lifting and being required to be on my feet for hours on end. They didn't seem happy about giving me some short shifts but I guess for right now they feel that anything is better than nothing. Just wondering if they can fire me if I am no longer able to do full duties due to pregnancy complications even if I am still willing to work at light duty capacity? I live in Wisconsin if this helps and have been employed in this facility for 1 1/2 years. Thank You

-- Contributed by: jenny

Leila, I believe you can still file, but your local department of unemployment will be able to advise you better about the laws in your area.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

i was let go because i can't carry or lift over 25lbs.. they said after the baby is born i could have my job back.. Can i still file for unemployment...

-- Contributed by: leila

Jenny, our article, Help for Pregnant Moms Who Can't Work and Need Money, has some suggestions for assistance that might help you. If you do take leave early, make sure your doctor signs off on it as being 'medically necessary' so you get all the leave you need.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

I am half way through my pregnancy and have been having some complications that have affected being able to do my job. My job requires frequent lifting and being on your feet for long periods. My state has the 12 week FML, which I had planned on taking 8 weeks of after the birth of our second child and using my vacation time to somewhat cover, but I am finding that I may need to take early leave. Just wondering what I can do to supplement our income during the pregnancy. (My doctor is concerned that the work I do may be contributing to the pregnancy complications and suggested I may need to take leave early) Thank You!

-- Contributed by: jenny

Melissa, you may be eligible for health coverage and WIC through the government, but unless you have another health issue aside from the pregnancy, you will probably not be able to get income help at this time. Contact your local employment office or state assistance for resources.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

I am looking for a program that I can enroll in to help compensate my income while I am out after giving birth. I am already 5 months pregnant and am being told I can not get short term disabilty - what are my other options?

-- Contributed by: Melissa

Jodi, unless your pregnancy contributed to you losing your job, you will probably not be able to get any kind of pregnancy disability. You should, however, be able to continue collecting unemployment. Check with your local unemployment office to be sure.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

My question is this. I lost my job in april and have been getting unemployment, am I going to be able to get pregnancy disability? What do you think?

-- Contributed by: jodi

Stressed,

if you take your leave and then quit, you may be required to pay back your benefits to your employer. This might be outlined in your employee handbook, so be sure to review it before making any other decisions. If you go back to work for a few weeks and then quit, you might be better off.

You will probably not be eligible for unemployment if you quit. This is usually reserved for people who lose their jobs due to layoffs or being fired.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

I am due to have a baby in a couple of days and do not plan to return to work...one problem is that I can not afford to stay home and not get paid. I hate my job and my new boss. I am an admnistrative assistant and while I was pregnant, the university fired my boss and hired a new one. I would have quit back in September when they hired her, however I was two months pregnant and could not go looking for jobs then. I have stuck it out eventhough I have been exposed to a very stressfull working environment and have expressed this stressfull environment to HR with no return. Can I take my leave and then quit and file for unemployment to allow myself some time home before I have to start looking for a new job?

-- Contributed by: Stressed

Sean, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. You will want to talk to your local Department of Labor or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. They will know the laws in your state better and can advise you better than I can. You'll need to base your decision on what field you are in and how likely you think it is that you'll get another job soon. If you can still take the Family Leave, that's probably your best bet but you may not be able to. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

Help...my wife and I are in a stressful and disappointing situation. We live in CA and I had planned on taking paid family leave after her maternity leave expired and she returned to work. The day she returned to work I was laid off without notice and without severance. Can I take my 6 weeks of Family Leave and, if I haven't found a job at the conclusion of the 6 weeks, still file for Unemployment? Family Leave compensation is greater but lasts 6 weeks, Unemployment is minute but will last a bit longer. I'm concerned I don't even get to choose - help! Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Sean
> Return to article