In the United States there are no national provisions that ensure that working couples receive paid leave of absence before during and after the birth of their child. Federal laws are superceded by local legislation, so be sure to find out how they apply to you in your area.
You should speak to the Department of Labor in your city to learn more about maternity leave so that you have an edge when entering into negotiations with your employer. If your company offers health coverage, learn what your benefits are during pregnancy and childbirth.
You should also find out what benefits are available for the father on his medical insurance. It may be possible for both insurers to split the cost of your pregnancy in order to provide you with full coverage.
The Family And Medical Leave Act is a Federal law to protect expectant couples, although local laws may supercede it. The FMLA was enacted in 1993. It provides you with twelve weeks of "unpaid, job protected leave" during childbirth. Under the provisions of the act, you must have been employed by your company for at least one year and that company must employ more than fifty people.
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The law ensures that the company will guarantee you your job, or its equivalent, as well as your pay, benefits and other terms of employment which were in place before you left.
Many companies provide greater benefits than the basic requirements outlined in the FMLA, so talk to your Human Resources department to discover what entitlements exist for you.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is a Federal law designed to protect you when you choose to give birth. Enacted in 1978, it ensures paid maternity leave for working women who are employed in companies with more than 15 people, although it is still subject to the policies that are in place in your company.
The law states that companies are required to consider pregnancy as they would any other medical disability and provide the same level of protection they offer to other employees.
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If you look through the blue pages of your local telephone directory you will find a listing of government agencies. There are a number of Federal and Local programs for pregnant women that include women's health clinics, childhood immunization programs and well baby clinics.
Talk to social workers and maternity caregivers in your area. They will be able to tell you about local information in your community. Many states offer disability coverage for pregnant women. If you are eligible, you should fill out the application form and give it to your doctor or midwife who will complete it for you.
Many companies are supportive of their employees needs and the Human Resources department in your company may be able to help you discover what services you are eligible for in your area.
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