Which states have short term disability benefits?

Short Term Disability pregnancy leave laws currently exist in 5 states: New York, California, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Hawaii.

Pregnancy may or may not be covered under short term disability. Coverage depends on state law and who the employee works for. For instance, government employees are exempt from these short term disability requirements. The minimum requirements may also not be enough to cover household expenses and each state has a 1 week waiting period. Even if you live in one of these states, you may want to consider buying short term disability insurance to supplement your household income.

The best coverage exists in California. Employees there get 55% of their gross salary up to $959 per week. Benefits last for up to 52 weeks.

New York employers pay 50% of the employee's salary up to $170 per week. Benefits last for up to 26 weeks.

New Jersey requires payment of 2/3rds of the employee's salary up to $546 per week. Benefits last for up to 26 weeks within 52 consecutive weeks. After 3 weeks of disability, this plan goes back to retroactively pay for the first week of disability along with the other payments.

Hawaii requires payment of 58% of the employee's salary up to $510 per week. Benefits last for up to 26 weeks.

Finally, Rhode Island requires payment of 4.62% of the highest quarter's earnings with a $10 increase for up to 5 dependents. Benefits last up to 30 weeks.