Not eligible for FMLA. Other options?

eschim

So I accepted a position in a new school district in the spring before I knew I was pregnant. At our new staff orientation, I found out that I'm not eligible for FMLA since by Feb I won't have been employed by the district for twelve months, which is the minimum amount of time needed to be eligible. My district does offer 60days unpaid leave, but we're left covering all the premiums of our insurance during this time (which are expensive!) so that we still have insurance. I also cant apply for short term disability because I already know I'm pregnant so it's considered a preexisting condition.

What I'm wondering is if anyone out there has been in this position and knows of any other options for getting any kind of maternity leave benefits. Not sure if there is anything out there, but I just thought I'd ask and see.

WanderingA

When I was pregnant with DD I got laid off at 5 months. Unfortunately, I couldn't really find any great options. We had to pay for my insurance through COBRA and ended up paying almost $800 a month just for me! The only thing you could do is talk to your HR people and see if they have suggestions for you, good luck and I hope they have better answers than I do!

boxerrrmama85

Save, save, and save... My company does not qualify for FMLA. My husband and I are currently saving (or trying to) put away enough money to cover my 6 wks unpaid leave and all hospital expenses. It's not easy but put a budget in place and start saving.

ETA: search through some of the other FMLA posts, you may find other helpful info.

wintersong139

Some mothers rely on short term disability insurance for 6 weeks. Is that something you can purchase through work or the state? (I'm not sure how that works.)

PeaceofKia

I'm in the same boat, but we're really relying on saving and budgeting like crazy. Good thing is we're both in school and will both receive refund checks that will go directly to savings on top of whatever we save on our own. And I'll at least qualify for the sick leave bank so I can receive pay for 9 work weeks for personal illness (possible bedrest and c-section recovery). My best piece of advice though...cut back now and save.