Maternity leave is time that new parents take off from work for the birth or adoption of a child. Expectant mothers in Florida enrolled in a short-term disability program receive benefits covering a portion of wages lost as a result of maternity leave.
Significance
Short-term disability programs that cover pregnancy typically pay mothers on maternity leave between 50 percent and 100 percent of their wages for six weeks after a vaginal delivery, explains Womb to Bloom, a parenting and pregnancy website. In cases with complications, extensions of benefits are possible. Short-term disability allows a new mother to focus on caring for her baby without worrying about losing income.
Read More: How to Apply for Short Term Disability in Florida
Types
Florida has no state short-term disability leave available, according to the website HumanResourceBlog. Florida mothers do have access, however, to employer-provided and individual short-term disability plans. The website Baby Center notes that employer-provided plans either deduct payment from wages or are a provided benefit. Individual plans are purchased directly from the provider.
Considerations
Most short-term disability programs require a week's absence from work before payment of benefits begins, according to Baby Center. The insurance resource website, Insure.com, points out that providers are not required to include maternity leave in a short-term disability plan. Be sure to research the options and plan requirements before choosing a provider.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University.