short-term disability -- is it required?

egb927

So, I work p/t for an attorney -- solo practitioner.  I'm due in January (although will most likely deliver end of December).  He mentioned in passing having to look into whether he has to offer me disability or not...that was months ago and he hasn't mentioned it again.  He's kind of flighty and has had a lot on his plate personally lately so I don't want to push it but where it's a part time position, I am not getting maternity leave.  Does anyone know if it's a scenario where he is required to give me short-term disability or is it an option he has?  Kind of freaked out about the fact that we'll be short my income for a couple of months...with the extra expense of the heat bill and obviously with a newborn...

 

kates2480

I have to pay for my own STD. it's expensive (about $100/month), but pays out $850/wk when I use it. I needed to get it prior to my pregnancy, otherwise it was a pre-existing condition. It depends what your company has.

Skibunny07

Hi it depends on your companies policy. If they provide disability for other conditions and you meet the eligibility requirements for it (most companies you have to work a certain number of hours a week to be eligible for certain benefits), then they have to provide it for disability due to the birth of a child as well. If they do not have a disability policy then no they do not have to provide it. If you meet the requirements for FMLA then they have to approve you for that, but that is only job protection, it is not pay.