| Can you pay your bills for 18 weeks on a 45% pay | | | | California SDI (Short Term Disability Insurance) caps |
| cut? Do you work for a government employer or as | | | | your weekly benefit at 55% of income or $959 per |
| an independent contractor? Ask yourself these | | | | week - whichever is less. |
| questions if you are planning a pregnancy and work in | | | | If your income exceeds $90,669 per year, you hit the |
| California. | | | | cap. In this case divide $959 by your weekly gross |
| Why are these questions vital? California has state | | | | pay to determine how big your pay cut will be for 18 |
| mandated pregnancy, maternity leave, and paid family | | | | weeks. |
| leave benefits which can extend for up to 18 weeks. | | | | Not Everyone is Covered |
| You will be receiving 55% of your income - or less - | | | | Government workers, teachers, domestic workers, |
| during this time. Many couples can't afford having mom | | | | non-profit employees, contract workers, and |
| away from work so long. | | | | employees who claim a religious exemption often are |
| The California disability program applies to private | | | | not covered. The California short term disability |
| workers only. Workers for state, county, and | | | | insurance plan mandate covers private workers only. |
| municipal governments may not be covered. | | | | Fill the CA Maternity Leave Gap |
| Teachers are considered government workers, and | | | | If you are planning a pregnancy, you have an |
| often are not covered. Also, independent contractors | | | | opportunity to buy additional income protection to |
| are also not covered. | | | | cover your normal maternity labor and delivery! |
| How you Get to 18 Weeks of Maternity Leave | | | | Supplemental California Short Term Disability Insurance |
| Here's how California allows you up to 18 weeks of | | | | can fill the gap in your maternity leave pay. It pays an |
| maternity benefits for your normal labor and delivery. | | | | additional six week benefit for your vaginal delivery, |
| - 4 weeks before your delivery via California SDI | | | | and an eight week benefit for your c-section birth. |
| - 8 weeks after your delivery (c-section delivery) via | | | | Your maternity leave benefit may greatly exceed the |
| SDI | | | | premium you pay. |
| - 6 weeks of paid family leave so you can bond with | | | | At no additional cost, you are also covered in case of: |
| your baby | | | | pregnancy complications, delivery complications, |
| It's possible that your pregnancy may encounter | | | | premature birth, accidents, and illnesses. |
| complications requiring you to leave work before the | | | | Pregnancy and maternity leave benefits are payable |
| standard four week period. In this case your total time | | | | only when coverage begins before conception. Make |
| away from work will exceed the eighteen week | | | | sure you get started before getting pregnant, and lock |
| barrier. | | | | in your extra maternity leave income. Don't delay! |
| What's your Maternity Income Gap? | | | | |