What You Need to Know About Short-Term Disability Insurance for Pregnancy in California
Pregnancy can be a wonderful and rewarding time, as well as one in which working may prove to be difficult. Here’s what you need to know about short-term disability insurance for pregnancy in California.
The state of California offers short-term disability insurance for pregnant women, as well as paid family leave after the woman gives birth.
Does Short-Term Disability Insurance Cover Pregnancy?
Yes, short-term disability insurance covers pregnancy. Generally, an individual’s pregnancy claim begins once they are no longer able to work and experience a loss in wages.
The usual disability period for pregnancy is up to four weeks before the individual’s due date and up to six or eight weeks, depending on if the birth was natural or via Cesarean section, after the baby’s birth. This period may be extended if the individual has medical complications or is still unable to complete their job after this period.
Does Long-Term Disability Insurance Cover Pregnancy?
No, long-term disability insurance does not cover pregnancy. While long-term disability insurance can cover complications related to pregnancy, as well as other disabilities, pregnancy itself is not covered.
Additionally, most long-term disability insurance coverage plans include a service wait, or a period of time immediately after granting coverage wherein the individual is not covered and cannot apply for benefits, as well as a waiting period after the individual applies for a benefit. Pregnant individuals applying for long-term disability insurance coverage should take these time periods into consideration.
Related: Short-Term vs Long-Term Disability Insurance in California
How to Apply for Short-Term Disability Insurance for Pregnancy
To apply for short-term disability insurance, an individual must meet the following requirements. An individual must:
- Be unable to do their regular work for at least eight days
- Have lost wages due to their disability (in this case, pregnancy)
- Be employed or actively looking for a job at the time of their disability (in this case, pregnancy)
- Have earned at least $300, from which State Disability Insurance deductions were withheld during their base period
- Be under the care of a licensed physician or practitioner within the first eight days of their disability (in this case, pregnancy)
The individual must complete their Claim for Disability Insurance Benefits form by mail or online between 9 and 49 days from the first day their disability began. The individual’s physician or practitioner must complete the medical certification portion of the form.
Once the form is submitted, it can take up to two weeks for the California Employment Development Department to determine the applicant’s eligibility.
Transitioning from Short-Term Disability Insurance to Paid Family Leave
New mothers who are already receiving short-term disability insurance benefits will automatically be sent a Claim for Paid Family Leave Benefits form. To be eligible for Paid Family Leave, new mothers must meet the following requirements:
- Gave birth to a new child in the past 12 months
- Paid State Disability Insurance in the past five to 18 months (these payments are noted as “CASDI” on most pay stubs)
- Not taken eight weeks (the maximum amount) of Paid Family Leave in the past 12 months
Related: How to Get Paid Maternity Leave in California
FAQs
Do I have to be a citizen to apply for short-term disability insurance for pregnancy?
No. Citizenship and immigration status do not affect your eligibility for short-term disability insurance from the state.
How will I receive my benefits?
When you file your claim, you can choose to receive your benefits electronically through a prepaid debit card, or by mail through a check from the California Employment Development Department.
Are short-term disability insurance and paid family leave the same thing?
No. Short-term disability insurance will cover your pregnancy for a given period of time (usually up to four weeks before your due date and six to eight weeks after your baby is born). Paid family leave will cover up to eight weeks (which does not have to be consecutive) for you to bond with your child and welcome them to your family during the first year after your child’s birth.
Contact Us
If you have any more questions about short-term disability insurance for pregnancy in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorneys for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our California Disability Insurance Attorneys today!