MATERNITY LEAVE IN BOSTON by LAW BENEFITS
Hello, Hello Honey boo!!!! 👋
If you are reading this post, it is because you are going to be a mother or father and you want to know How Maternity Leave works, How Long is Maternity, How is the Law for Maternity Leave, and all that stuff you need to know before you leave work!
I have some tips that you can implement BEFORE you leave work for your Paternity Leave.
Read until the end so that you know what are the rights and duties of every mother and father who is expecting a baby in Boston! 🇺🇸
This is my first time as being a mom 🤰🏻 so I had to read too much and do a lot of research to know everything about this topic!! That’s why I wanted to create this post to explain to you in simple words how Maternity leave in Boston works.
- What is Maternity Leave?
- Why Maternity Leave Laws is different in every state?
- How does Maternity Leave work in Boston, MA?
- What is PFML?
- What is FMLA?
- Difference Between PFML and FMLA
- Short Term Disability
What is Maternity Leave?
Firstly, it is important to know that Maternity Leave is a period that the MOM and sometimes the DAD, can get to take off once the baby is born or adopted. This time is the most important time to bond with the baby.
Why Maternity Leave Laws are different in every state?
In every single state within the United States, Maternity leave laws work differently.
For example:
- Payment: In some states, the employer needs to pay the employee the maternity leave period, in other states, they are not obligated to do so.
- Time: In some states, the time that the employer gives you for your Maternity Leave depends on the company you work for and they can give you from 8 weeks to 6 months or 1 year paid or unpaid.
However, For those who do not live in the States, they could ask themselves: “So, how do mothers survive 8 or 12 weeks without getting paid? I also ask myself the same question !!! Because you have to keep eating, you have to go to medical appointments, you have to keep paying rent or mortgage !!! 🤨 The answer is: It is not easy but laws are laws! 😒
SOOOO WEIRD and UNFAIR I know!
Author note: “For me, in an ideal world, maternity leave should be paid in full for AT LEAST 12 months” Now that I have my baby I can realize how important is to be with your baby for that time. But, I also realize that money is important to survive alone with your baby and your family.”
How does Maternity Leave work in Boston, MA?
OK, Honey Boo! Because I leave in Boston, I am going to explain to you how this works in Massachusetts, which is where I live and where I have done the research.
Before 2021, The law said that if the company you work for has less than 50 employees, you could get up to 8 weeks of unpaid maternity. If the company has more than 50 employees you could get up to 12 weeks and they are still NOT paid. To get these “benefits” you needed to have a certain time of hours in the company.
Now everything has changed. Thank goodness 🙌🏻
What is Paid Family Medical Leave? #PFML
PFML stands for Paid Family Medical Leave and it can give anyone who works in Massachusetts and is eligible to take up to 26 weeks of paid leave for medical or family reasons. YOU ARE PAYING FOR THIS SINCE MARCH 2019 (it is just a small amount taken from your paycheck (0.75%) but it is super beneficial) 🎉🎉🎉 Yay sweetheart, You hear well❗️It is super beneficial!!
What is Family Medical Leave Act? #FMLA
FMLA stands for Family Medical Leave Act and provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected, UNPAID! for every year to take care of the family (MATERNITY LEAVE) or for Medical Reasons.
Difference Between PFML and FMLA
It is important to understand the Difference between PFML and FMLA if you are going out for Maternity Leave because you need to know what is more beneficial for you.
Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFML) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are separate laws that cover similar situations (in our case MATERNITY LEAVE)
Even employers who are exempt from FMLA may be subject to PFML. In both cases, they need to hold your job until your return. However, FMLA is free, you don’t pay a penny for it and you are entitled to take up to 12 to 26 weeks of UNPAID absence. On the other hand, PFML is not free, you need to pay a super small portion out of your paycheck en you are entitled to take up to 12 to 26 weeks of PAID leave.
Short Term Disability for Maternity Leave
Read this part very carefully as you can get the best out of your Maternity Leave.
Some companies have insurance called Short Term disability and they have their policy for this. They are those who determine whether you are eligible for the benefits
– What is Short Term Disability? Maternity Leave
It is insurance that covers you economically speaking when you are unable to attend work for a short period for any reason after you have exhausted your sick time. You may receive this for between 9-52 weeks, depending on your company. ANDDDD Here is where Maternity Leave takes place!!!
Every paycheck you contribute with a super small percentage but when you get pregnant it would be too big a benefit!
– How can I get Short Term Disability for my Maternity Leave?
- Some employers offer Short Term Disability and you can get it through them. They make it Mandatory for all the employees whether it is needed or not.
- Some employers offer Short Term Disability as an Optional plan and you can sign up for it and pay it in full or your employer might cover some portion.
- As an Individual, you can get a Short Term Disability on your own. Just look up all the vendors who offer this insurance.
- Depending on the state, the law can cover you. You just need to meet some requirements (Not applicable to Massachusets)
– How does Short Term Disability work for Maternity Leave?
First, you must have registered and been contributing to this insurance at least 10 months before having your baby, by saying that, we understand that you cannot wait to get pregnant and start contributing because it would not cover you.
– How much does Short Term Disability cover?
This insurance covers up to 60% of your salary 💵 while you are on Maternity Leave. Remember to refer to your company’s policies.
– Is my job protected while I am out on Short Term Disability?
There are 2 different things that you need to understand here.
- While you are out on Short Term Disability, the employer is not required to keep your job.
- While you are out on FMLA (Which by the law is the 8 to 12 weeks period that you are entitled to get when on Maternity Leave, whether paid or not) the employer is required to keep your job.
– Can I use Short Term Disability and FMLA at the same time?
You would need to talk to your employer to see which one you can use first. But surely, you can!
In conclusion, I personally love this “NEW MATERNITY LEAVE LAW” It didn’t cover me when I had my baby. But, I am so happy for all these new moms that can take advantage of this and don’t have to leave their babies too soon to continue working and to be able to keep generating income for their households.
Anyhoo! Be in the loop! and Talk to your employer before you are planning to get pregnant and get the most out of your Maternity Leave.
Well, friends, I hope this post has been very useful for you. In any case, if you have any doubts, questions, or concerns, you can follow me on my Instagram @not_a_fit_mom and send me a little message 💌 I will gladly answer you.
If you loved reading this post, share it with your friends and family and support my Blog 🙏
Love you
Ana.
#notafitmom #sharingiscaring
———->>>>>> THE BEST BABY MONITOR – NANIT
Share this:
