Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Five Ways to Collect California Maternity Benefits


California has the nation's richest and most extensive state mandated benefits for pregnancy and maternity. There are at least five ways you might need to utilize these benefits. But while these benefits are rich compared with what other states offer, you could still be left in financial distress. Be sure to supplement these benefits before getting pregnant.

1 - Pregnancy Disability before Delivery

Twenty five percent of pregnancies will encounter one or more complications. Should this happen to you, your doctor may order you to stop working to take bed rest. California short term disability will replace up to 55% of your income during this time.

2 - Help at Home from Your Spouse

If your pregnancy complications are severe, you may need some assistance while at home - especially if there are young children at home that require attention. Should this happen to you your husband may need to leave work to provide care to you and/or your children. California Paid Family Leave will replace up to 55% of your husband's income for up to six weeks.

But now you will be dealing with two simultaneous 45% pay cuts. Can you afford this?

3 - Maternity Leave Income

When you deliver your baby you will need time to recover and will be unable to work. California short term disability will replace up to 55% of your income for six weeks for a vaginal birth, and eight weeks for a c-section delivery.

4 - Baby Bonding Time

After you recover from your delivery, you may want to spend additional time at home bonding with your baby. The California Paid Family Leave provides an additional six weeks of partial income replacement during this time. Also, your husband may choose to take time from work and is eligible for six weeks of partial income replacement as well - provided he did not exhaust these benefits before delivery.

5 - Postpartum Disorders

Many women develop postpartum disorders that result in a longer recovery time. Should this happen to you, you may not be able to return to work as quickly as planned. California short term disability will continue to replace up to 55% of you income during the time.

Get Supplemental Coverage before Getting Pregnant

California maternity benefits may pay out in five different ways, but only 55% of your income is being replaced. Purchase supplemental insurance before getting pregnant to replace a higher percentage of your income, and to help out with left over medical bills.

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