Pregnancy Disability Questions and Answers

How do I apply for disability?

You need to check with your Human Resources Department to determine if you are eligible for Private short-term disability insurance, or State Disability Insurance.

If you are eligible for State Disability Insurance then you can order the forms from the EDD office or visit their
website at www.edd.ca.gov. Forms may also be picked up at your Human Resources Dept. or our front desk. Please complete the entire patient portion of the form before leaving it with our Disability Coordinator. We will then complete the Physician portion and mail directly to the Employment Development Department. Our office charges a small fee for completion of this paperwork.

If you are eligible for Private Short-Term Disability/Pregnancy Leave then you will need to get the forms from your Human Resources Department. Please complete the entire patient portion of the forms before giving it to our Disability Coordinator. We will then complete the Physicians Statement and fax or mail it to the insurance company. Our office charges a small fee for completion of this paperwork.

When do I begin my maternity leave?

The State of California allows maternity leave to begin 4 weeks prior to your Estimated Due Date for State Disability. Most private insurance companies allow 2 weeks prior to your due date. You may continue to work up until your due date if you are healthy and have no medical reason for stopping work.

When does my disability end? The State allows 6 weeks after a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks for a C-section. Most major insurance companies allow 6 weeks disability for recovery. If you have a complication, you may qualify for an extended disability.

When should I bring my forms to your office?

The State Disability Office will not accept the forms until you have stopped working, so please do not bring them to the office until one week prior to your disability date. Private Insurance companies may want the forms earlier. Please return the form when you have decided on your last day of work. Please note that there is a processing fee for completion of these forms.

What is the difference between maternity leave and family leave?

Maternity leave is usually a period of time off work allowed by your employer for pregnancy. Family leave is unpaid leave that you may be eligible for, if employed by a company with at least 50 employees. Check with your HR department to determine if you qualify for this type of leave.

What if I have complications during my pregnancy?

If you are required to leave work by your Physician due to a complication of pregnancy, you may be eligible for
disability benefits.

I feel lousy and tired all the time. Can I stop working?

Fatigue, low back pain, nausea and swelling are common symptoms of pregnancy. Although annoying or
uncomfortable, these symptoms are not considered disabling conditions for most occupations. In order to be eligible for disability, your Physician must confirm you are disabled from doing your customary work due to a complication of pregnancy.

Can I save the 4 weeks prior to my due date until after the baby is born?

No, you cannot add the four weeks prior to delivery disability to the post partum disability period.

Can I get a copy of the forms I have completed?

Yes, Associates in Women's Health Care keeps a copy of the forms in your chart. You can request a copy when you turn in your forms or at your next appointment. Please note that there is a copy fee associated with this.

How much does disability pay?

For State Disability you can visit their website which has the calculation method based on your quarterly pay periods. You will need to check with your HR department for the percentage that Private Insurance companies pay for shortterm disability.