How does maternity leave work?

Question

Sorry this is my first baby and i live in the US, Illinois Chicago ☺ I only work a part time job and I heard part timers don't get that benefit of paid maternity leave. Which is okay if that's the case I just want to know all the accurate info before I find out im missing out on something! Lol I work at a retail store, also how far along should I let them know that I can't work anymore? I'll be 7 months and still feel okay, how many weeks is it required to leave? Would I get fired for example if I don't come back in 4&6 week? I know I should ask my manager but my district manager is never at my location anymore and the assistant manager always gives false information and shes not a huge fan of my pregnancy (she has talked about me)so I don't want to go to her. Thanks!

Answer

It will depend on how many hours you work and if you've been employed for 12months. If you aren't eligbile for FMLA you will be at the mercy of your company. Most doctors will clear you to work at 6wks pp and that's also when most daycares will accept babies. You just need to talk to them to see what they will offer you.

Answer

I work at a retail store. I'm taking my leave at 39 weeks. I don't qualify for paid leave or FMLA. I let them know about a month in advanced when my last day would be. I'm taking off 3 months they said to just let them know if I need more time.

Answer

FMLA depends on how many hours you worked in the year. The minimum to be eligible is 1250 hours which is part time for many people so you'll have to look at your pay stubs to see how many hours or multiply your number of hours per week times 52 ( a full-time worker does 2080 hours per year or more). http://employment.findlaw.com/family-medical-leave/what-is-fmla-faq-on-federal-leave-law.html

Answer

Also FMLA is a nationwide law not state by state. If you don't already have short term disability insurance then you can file for unemployment while you're on unpaid leave.

Answer

"Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees are eligible for leave if they have worked for their employer at least 12 months, at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months, and work at a location where the company employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles." + "Pregnancy disability leave or maternity leave for the birth of a child would be considered qualifying FMLA leave for a serious health condition and may be counted in the 12 weeks of leave so long as the employer properly notifies the employee in writing of the designation." Good luck! I don't get paid leave except the vacation and sick hours I've saved up.

How does maternity leave work?

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