How to Increase Your Pennsylvania Maternity Leave Pay

Pennsylvania does not have state mandated maternitycommuters to those near only a handful of bridges.
leave pay - except perhaps for those who live nearWhile the entire eastern and northern PA border
the border, or those who plan ahead and act at themeets NY and there are few natural commuting
right time. PA residents who cross the state border tobarriers, Pennsylvania residents who commute to New
work in New Jersey or New York have coverage,York don't get much of a benefit. The New York
while the rest must plan ahead and purchase shortdisability plan replaces up to 50% of income, but caps
term disability before getting pregnant.out at only $170 per week. This is more than 2/3 less
Pennsylvania has long borders with both NJ and NYthan the New Jersey benefit. While better than no
states. Both states have mandated short term disabilitybenefit at all, it still leaves many with a huge hole to fill
insurance coverage that pays benefits for pregnancyduring maternity leave.
and maternity leave. The key to these programs isPennsylvania residents looking to increase their
that they cover people who work in the state, rathermaternity leave income can purchase short term
than those who live in the state. Pennsylvania residentsdisability insurance before getting pregnant. When
who commute to either state are automaticallycoverage begins prior to conception, short term
enrolled in the programs - but there are limits.disability covers your maternity leave. Your benefit for
The New Jersey plan replaces up to 2/3 of yournormal delivery may greatly exceed the premium you
income, capping out at $561 in 2010. So if you live in PApay. Plus, you are covered in case of complications,
and commute to NJ you are covered! Too bad theaccidents, and illnesses that cause you to miss work.
Delaware River runs between the two states, limiting