Maternity Leave

[bethkate]

Have we talked about this? How long are you planning to take off?

[bethkate]

I'm planning to take about 19 weeks, so depending on when the baby is born, that may be the majority of November-February.

I get to carry over my unused sick time, so after 10 years at my job, I'll have 19 weeks of sick time saved up. Then, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and our winter break in February, I may only need to use about 16 weeks of my time and leave 3 weeks worth of time for appointments and stuff.

[laurensc927]

I'm going to take 14 weeks, 2 before and 12 after. I'm required to use my time prior to any other leave so it will all run concurrent. I will get paid full pay for about 5 weeks then 2/3 pay when I switch over to state disability.

[bethkate]

Jul 9, 2017 16:03:00 GMT -6 laurensc927 said:

I'm going to take 14 weeks, 2 before and 12 after. I'm required to use my time prior to any other leave so it will all run concurrent. I will get paid full pay for about 5 weeks then 2/3 pay when I switch over to state disability.

I'm pretty sure I have to use my time too before using short term disability, so I won't be tapping into my STD at all. It's only 60% for 5 weeks anyway, so I'm ok with just using my sick time.

[you]

I am planning around 10-12 weeks. I was ready to go back at 10 weeks before. I am targeting January 29th. We plan to have a nanny for the two little ones. This would be week 3 of the chemo cycle so the nanny would start with two fairly normal weeks.
I plan to use vacation and sick. I have four weeks of vacation I have to use by the end of the year, plus six weeks banked. I have around 15 weeks of sick.

[misskilljoy]

I'm going to post my answer and then I'm going to hide. Because Canada.

I live in the magical world called Canada, so I have access to 17 weeks of maternity leave and 35 weeks of parental leave to split between me and MH. 8 weeks of my leave is paid at 100% through my union, then the rest is paid through our government benefits, which maxes out at around $500/week before deductions. I also have 130 sick days through work, so if I get put on bedrest again it'll be paid at 100% until the baby is born. I'm not allowed to use sick leave once the baby is born, though.

All of that being said, I don't think I'll be taking the whole year. I'd like to go back to work in September of 2018 so that I can start the year with my students. I hate going back partway through the year. We're also talking about having me go back to work 75% of the time when I do go back to make logistics easier. I can extend my leave and come back at partial time for up to 5 years after my mat leave is over (thanks to my union).

If I go back to work in September and have two months of mat leave left, MH is probably going to take a few weeks off. Sept 2018 is when DD will start kindergarten, so we were thinking that if he could take that month off, it would help the transition.

[thatgolfb]

I plan to work until I go into labor, but I have the option to stop 2 weeks before so I may do that. Or obviously when my OB wants me to stop, if it comes to that.

Anyway, I plan to take 18 weeks total.

My first 14 days are the waiting period for my short term disability, and I have to use whatever sick time I have before using the disability anyway. I will have at least 10 sick days (not sure of exact number, I had to take more time than I wanted for morning sickness) which would be my working paid days anyway during that time period. Then I will be paid 60% for 6-8 weeks through disability depending on delivery. Then after that, it will be unpaid. But I get 12 weeks through FMLA and 6 weeks through California baby bonding.

If I paid into the state system, I would get paid for that baby bonding time (paid family leave), but even though my university is a state entity, they have their own disability insurance plan so I won't get paid.

I do have the option to save any of those 6 weeks for any time during the first year after baby is born. I did that last time. But I think I want to take a longer leave this time. Last time I took 4 weeks before the due date which ended up being 2.5 weeks, 6 full weeks after and then worked 2 days a week for 4 weeks. Then saved 2 weeks for a trip with DD up to my parents' and ILs'.

We are fortunate that I can take my max leave mostly unpaid. Not many people can do that. This country has abysmal maternity leave. And I live in a state that has decent policies!

[thatgolfb]

Actually now that I think about it, it makes a bit more financial sense to take two weeks before my due date because of having to use my sick time before disability kicks in, even though disability is only paid 60%. Hmm. So maybe I will do that. I get more use of my benefits that way.

[AnnPerkins]

Depending on when baby is born, I plan on taking 12(ish)-6 weeks. Basically, from when I deliver to January 1st. I may go back sooner if they need holiday help.

It will all be unpaid since I'm part-time, but luckily people like me and don't really care how long I'm gone. My boss just seems thrilled that I wanted to come back at all.

I SAH cold turkey after DS and went back to school a week after having DD. After trying both ends of the spectrum, I've found that staying busy is better for my mental health. Which is better for everyone.

DH gets 3 weeks paid paternal leave and was encouraged to take more time off using sick leave if needed. He also gets about 2wks pto during the holidays, so I should have lots of support from him for the first couple of months.

[grumpycat]

12 weeks ... I told my supervisor that on or around 10/15 (38 weeks) I will be going on leave. I had DS at 37w5d sooooo who knows. I'm going to work as long as I can and my supervisor is good at letting me work from home. I'll return mid January. We've talked about me working part time for a few weeks at the end, but nothing has been finalized yet. All my time off is unpaid (boo) unless I work the last couple weeks part time. DH gets a week of family leave.

[cnf]

Jul 9, 2017 15:45:34 GMT -6 bethkate said:

I'm planning to take about 19 weeks, so depending on when the baby is born, that may be the majority of November-February.

I get to carry over my unused sick time, so after 10 years at my job, I'll have 19 weeks of sick time saved up. Then, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and our winter break in February, I may only need to use about 16 weeks of my time and leave 3 weeks worth of time for appointments and stuff.

You're a teacher too, yes? I would double check with your HR that those school breaks don't count as part of your leave. My last district counted them and my new one does too. It's actually one reason I don't like being due this time of year; I get screwed out of paid time off I'm already privy to. 

[bethkate]

Jul 9, 2017 19:12:16 GMT -6 cnf said:

Jul 9, 2017 15:45:34 GMT -6 bethkate said:

I'm planning to take about 19 weeks, so depending on when the baby is born, that may be the majority of November-February.

I get to carry over my unused sick time, so after 10 years at my job, I'll have 19 weeks of sick time saved up. Then, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and our winter break in February, I may only need to use about 16 weeks of my time and leave 3 weeks worth of time for appointments and stuff.

You're a teacher too, yes? I would double check with your HR that those school breaks don't count as part of your leave. My last district counted them and my new one does too. It's actually one reason I don't like being due this time of year; I get screwed out of paid time off I'm already privy to. 

Yes, I'm a teacher. I'm hoping to sit down with our HR director this week or next to figure it all out, so I'll definitely ask, but I don't think any of my coworkers/friends have gotten screwed out of that time before.

ETA: Technically, it's unpaid time off during those weeks (I work 190 days and that's what I'm paid for. Vacations and holidays don't count), so making me use sick time for those days wouldn't make sense.

[thatgolfb]

Jul 9, 2017 19:12:16 GMT -6 cnf said:

Jul 9, 2017 15:45:34 GMT -6 bethkate said:

I'm planning to take about 19 weeks, so depending on when the baby is born, that may be the majority of November-February.

I get to carry over my unused sick time, so after 10 years at my job, I'll have 19 weeks of sick time saved up. Then, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and our winter break in February, I may only need to use about 16 weeks of my time and leave 3 weeks worth of time for appointments and stuff.

You're a teacher too, yes? I would double check with your HR that those school breaks don't count as part of your leave. My last district counted them and my new one does too. It's actually one reason I don't like being due this time of year; I get screwed out of paid time off I'm already privy to. 

Ugh that is super annoying.

Now that I think about it, I wonder if I get paid for holidays as I normally do. Probably not.

[cnf]

With DD I took two weeks prior (medical pull from work) at full pay, then 12 weeks at full pay after she was born. I got 6-8 (so 8, because c-section) then got my doctors to write me out due to severe PPD for the additional four. I got those at full pay too since it was considered medical leave, not maternity, and NY schools generally operate via a sick bank. So I got 14 weeks full pay, which was great.

This time I'm in a very different school district and every person I've mentioned using additional sick bank time beyond my 6-8 weeks has basically laughed in my face. Apparently the red tape to get medical leave immediately following maternity leave in this district is next to impossible. And they will use my PTO before switching me to sick bank pay. First year in district means I'll tap out my PTO prior to the end of six weeks, so they definitely won't give me sick bank medical pay since I'll need it to cover my leave. That said, I'm trying to save up an additional four weeks worth of the money we need so I can take four unpaid weeks. I'll get a medical note and attempt to extend via the sick bank, but I'm not counting on it this time. So hopefully I'll be taking 6-8 weeks full pay then an additional 4 weeks likely unpaid, but maybe at full pay. Time off yes, pay TBD.

[cdnfarmgirl]

I'll be off Late October 2017 for a full year. I get topped up by my employer to 95% of my wage for the first 34ish weeks (I always forget the number). After that, EI pays me a percentage of my wage (55%? 65%?) I should know these numbers but I always forget.
I will likely extend my leave until January (unpaid) so
I don't have to go back mid-term.

As for fall 2017, technically I'm going back to work in September, but I think I'll end up taking sick leave. I have a stressful September/October (I am a resource teacher- I get to help with all the kids who have behaviour/special needs etc) so it's very chaotic and I don't think I can do much effectively. I have 108 sick days I can use so may as use some of those now.

If I would go back, I would have to find a new nanny, my son is starting kindergarten and he's a bit anxious and hates change. I want him to have a good start and not worry about going home to a different person.

[snuff9861]

I'll be off (likely) before the baby is born. Last year I made it until 35 weeks and then went on sick leave due to SPD. Once the baby is born I have access to 52 weeks of paid leave. It's 55% of what I currently make but my employer tops up to 84% for the first 6 months.

[spacecadet]

I am planning on 6 to 8 weeks depending on what my leave looks like when we hit November. I should have about 4 weeks and about a week of holidays saved up. Thankfully H got a job promotion so I hope to be able to take more unpaid time if needed than I was going to but we will see how it is looking. I might see if I can WFH some but I have no clue if I will be able to.

[birdsofafeather]

10-12 weeks depending. I wish it was longer but I count myself lucky to be able to take that.

[blabbermouth]

Also Canadian. I'll take at least 10 months or up to a year off. Unfortunately I don't get topped up at all, and will end up with less than 55% since it maxes out around $50k salary. I'm happy to have the full year and we're saving our butts off to be able to afford it! DH and I make pretty close to the same amount, so we'll be losing over 1/4 of our income, so it's a big hit to our finances for a full year. I was thinking of possibly going back to work in September because it might be slightly easier to get daycare then at back to school season, but we'll see.

I'll also probably work a bit while off just to keep up with any changes. At least go to two meetings a month and possibly keep up on a few tasks that only occur every 3 or 4 months because it'd be more trouble to train someone on them than just do them myself.

I should note that I'm an accountant, so obviously stress out about money!

[misskilljoy]

blabbermouth , just don't accept any money for any work you do. Some people will tell you that you get to keep a portion of what you earn while on leave, but I was required to pay back everything I earned while I was off. It sucked. I think they changed the rules not too long ago, which is why some people think you get to keep 50% of your earnings. This also includes one-time bonuses/lump sum payments, so if your work does holiday bonuses or anything, ask if they'll keep it for you until you're back. My union negotiated a new contract while I was on leave last time and we got a lump sum payment as part of the deal, which anyone on leave then had to pay back to the government.

Also, EI doesn't deduct enough from benefits, so make sure to set some aside for tax time.

[blabbermouth]

Thanks misskilljoy! I'll definitely remember to set aside some money for tax time, particularly for 2017 I suppose. Yes, I was going to ask my work to just hold off on paying me until I'm back, and then call it a bonus or whatever. I don't really need the money while I'm gone, working is mostly to keep up with the goings on, so I might as well get the money upon my return I think it still says you get to keep 50%, but who would bother working for half the money?

It really annoys me that they basically limit mothers from working. Imagine if you're at the low end of income and really DO need to work, I'm not sure how it helps anyone to have them have to choose between no EI and more work, or EI and 1/2 pay.

[misskilljoy]

blabbermouth, I just went back and looked at it. You're right - the first 17 weeks are maternity leave, which is deducted dollar for dollar, so no sense in earning anything. The other 35 weeks are parental leave, where you can earn 50$ per week or 25% of your weekly benefit, whichever is higher, before they deduct it. So it's not even half-pay. I guess I must have only had to pay back some of what I earned past those first four months. I was so bitter about it that all I remember is giving money back. XD

[blabbermouth]

misskilljoy, yeah, it's a pretty annoying setup!

[paperbagliz]

I quit my job after DD and stayed home for 14 months, went back to work part time at 7 weeks post c-section with DS, and I'm not sure about this time. By the time we paid for 2 infants and one preschooler in daycare, I wouldn't have any take home pay. Luckily my boss is incredibly flexible, so while I won't get paid other than accrued PT0, she'll let me ease back in.

[jules1614]

I'll be taking 12 weeks. 6-8 will be short term disability at 60% pay then the rest will be all pto. I think I've saved up enough to supplement the 60% to full pay though so that's nice. Last time with DS I was planning on taking 3 weeks unpaid but because of the csection and getting extra Short term disability pay I was able to make it through with full pay for 11 weeks and only one week unpaid. DH will take off sporadically using sick time.

Very jealous of you Canadians!!

[pootsen]

We don't get sick time- my PTO covers sick time, vacation, and holidays that the clinic is closed.

I'll take 12 weeks. The first week is pure PTO, and then I'll get 6 (8 if I have a c section) weeks of 60% salary through STD. I can use my PTO to bring it up to 100% and cover any time after that. But honestly, I probably won't have much PTO by then because I took 2 week-long vacations this summer and needed other various days off. But we will scrimp and save to make ends meet.

[roloma]

My work has both personal time and vacation time. Last kid I took 13 weeks off. First week was STD qualifying paid by personal time. Next 6 weeks was STD and paid 60% of my salary. Last 6 weeks I took totally unpaid. I wanted to save my vacation time for when I came back so I just saved a bunch of money ahead of time.

This time will be a little different, hopefully. I will work until I deliver, as long as they let me. I will use my personal time for my qualifying week and then get STD for the nect 6-8 depending on delivery. I am hoping I can negotiate working part time from home 10ish hours a week for the next 6 weeks in order to make a little money and cover my benefits so I don't have to cover those OOP. We have a huge meeting shortly after I return and I would like to do my own lead up work rather than have someone else do it. If they don't let me do that, I will take the last 6 off unpaid like last time. We won't have as much saved but we can make it work. It is in their best interest to let me work from home but they can be a little weird about that sometimes.

My husband gets 4 weeks off paid at 100%. He has to take them all at once but can wait to take them so we plan for him to take them Dec-Jan to have all of the holiday time off.

[thatgolfb]

I think I figured out the California maternity leave stuff. I can take 2 weeks before baby and then 18-20 weeks after. Actually, I could technically take 4 weeks before due date but for now I am choosing not to. Hopefully I don't regret that.

The CFRA (baby bonding) can be taken in 2 week chunks at a later date within a year after the baby is born. so I may save some for summer 2017. That is what I did with DD and it was great to have that break.

[jj32]

I plan to take 10-12 weeks. I took 12 with my first. I will about about 4 weeks vacation/sick saved up and the rest is just unpaid. It really sucks that we have zero maternity benefits, I really wish that would be something that would change for all of us in the work force.

[peggels24]

My plan is to take off from birth through the New Year. It will essentially be unpaid (either I won't take a paycheck or I won't take an owner withdrawal depending on how the books look) but will most likely have to go in a day or two to do end of the year stuff (pleasure of owning your own business) and will wind up checking emails about once daily starting 4 weeks in. When I return, I will be working 3-4 days a week for January and February as MIL will watch the baby Tuesday - Thursday until March when she starts daycare (I didn't want to put her in daycare in January or February).

DH gets one week paid parental leave but can use his vacation time under FMLA - he should probably have about 4 or so weeks paid. He can also work from home a day or so a week if necessary.

So, in sum, there will be a lot of juggling but we'll make it all work in the end.