Pregnancy & Maternity Leave

The New York area has the nation’s highest cost of living, and some of the highest incomes to help pay those bills.  While the New York State Short Term Disability Insurance is good to have should you miss work, it does not replace a significant percentage of most New Yorker’s income.

Make sure your coverage begins before getting pregnant.

New York Maternity Leave Benefits

Who feels this the most?  NY women planning a maternity leave.  You are expecting a six to eight week maternity leave disability, and may be shocked when you discover how little maternity leave pay you will get.

For example, a woman earning $52,000 per year earns about $1,000 per week.  Her NYS Short Term Disability payout equates to only 17% of her normal income.  That’s a 87% pay cut!

Increase your NY Maternity Leave Pay

You can increase your maternity leave pay by applying for supplemental short term disability for maternity leave, before you conceive. 

You can create maternity leave income, while also protecting your family in case of pregnancy complications, delivery complications, premature birth, accidents, and illnesses.

NYS Pregnancy Disability Benefits

Many women will also require bed rest prior to giving birth.  That may mean an additional month or more with a 75% pay cut.  With an extra mouth to feed coming soon, who can afford having a child?

You can increase your pregnancy disability benefits by applying for supplemental short term disability for pregnancy, before you conceive.

Is NY Short Term Disability Enough?

You rely on your income, and Short Term Disability in NY is a great benefit to have should you suffer a disability. However, there are limits, and may not provide adequate coverage for every worker.

• The benefits end after 26 weeks – What if you are disabled for a year? Can you continue to pay your bills? 
• The benefits are taxable - Depending upon your state, federal, and FICA tax rates, your take home pay could be considerably less.
• The benefits are capped - At $170 per week, this amount represents 50% income replacement for a worker earning $17,680 annually. If you earn more than this, you may not have adequate coverage.
• Government workers are exempt - If you work for a state, county, city, township, or boro entity you may not have coverage.
• Teachers are exempt - Teachers are considered government workers, and you may not have coverage.
  

Get the right coverage by applying for short term disability insurance before you conceive.