Filing for Short-Term Disability for Pregnancy

When it comes to short-term disability, pregnancy counts as one of the reasons for getting benefits. This coverage can offer some income if you have to miss work due to pregnancy complications or childbirth. Some states offer this coverage, but if yours does not, you can buy your own policy through your insurance provider.

Apply for Benefits

Some states require employers to offer short-term disability. Pregnancy is just one of the reasons to get this coverage, as general illness is also covered, so short-term disability is offered to every employee in California, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii and Rhode Island. The premium can be taken out of your check every month. Ask your human resources department for more information. Note that even if your state does not require employers to offer this coverage, many employers still do, so ask about it at your job. If your employer does not offer short-term disability, you can contact an insurance provider to get a premium quote. It may be more expensive this way, but it is still often cheaper to get this coverage than to miss work for weeks or even months without pay while you experience pregnancy complications or childbirth.

Benefit Duration

Before you buy short-term disability, pregnancy benefits should be known. For example, if you are on bed rest due to pregnancy complications before your due date, your coverage should kick in so that you get at least a portion of your income during that time. You also get six weeks of benefits after childbirth, allowing you to heal and spend time with your baby while still paying your bills. You usually get eight weeks of benefits after a C-section, since you need more time to heal after surgery.

You may be able to get your benefits extended after childbirth. If you have a postpartum disorder or childbirth complications that leave you unable to work six to eight weeks afterward, you can continue to receive benefits. You typically need a note from your doctor stating that it is medically necessary that you stay home or in the hospital.

Consider Legal Help

In most cases, you have to sign up for short-term disability before you become pregnant if you want the coverage to extend to the pregnancy. However, if you sign up during the pregnancy, you can still be covered for unexpected illnesses or accidents that are unrelated to your condition. If you followed all the rules but your insurance provider refuses to cover your issue, contact a lawyer. You should also get an attorney if you live in a state that requires employers to offer short-term disability, but your employer refuses.