Are Maternity Benefits Included in the SSDI Program?

Social Security Disability benefits are limited to people with a disabling condition that prevents them from working and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. It does not provide short-term disability benefits and its does not provide benefits for child birth, unless a child is born disabled or birthing causes a disability. However, time off for child birth, including short term disability for pregnancy, is offered in some states.

Short term disability is a form of coverage in which you receive your salary, or part of it, for a specified amount of time due to medical needs. Many large companies offer this benefit to employees and certain states mandate its inclusion in your benefits.

Hawaii, California, New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey have state ordered short term disability programs. Employees may be eligible if they cannot work because of a disability. Pregnancy is included. Benefits come from a state fund.

The length of time a person can receive benefits varies in each state, along with eligibility requirements and benefit amounts. Employees are required to file a benefit claim, including doctor statements about their condition. If the claim is approved, an employee may receive part of their typical earnings during the time they cannot work.

New Jersey and California offer parental leave programs through their states disability offices. Benefits are like disability leave but these states only give parenting leave benefits for six weeks.

Your employer may also offer short term disability for pregnancy. Additional options may be using vacation, sick and holiday time for your maternity leave. Always contact your Human Resources department to learn about eligibility and policy rules and benefit amounts.

The disability benefits lawyers in Phoenix are experienced in representing the disabled as they apply for the social security disability benefits they need. If your claim has been denied, contact us for a free case evaluation.

Call 1-800-503-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.