Pregnancy Disability Leave vs. Short Term Disability
Understanding Your Rights and Options
Navigating pregnancy can be a joyous yet challenging journey, particularly when it comes to understanding your rights and benefits in the workplace. For pregnant women in California, two key terms often come into play: Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) and Short-Term Disability (STD). While both provide vital support during pregnancy and childbirth, they serve different purposes and offer distinct benefits. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the differences and make informed decisions.
Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)
What is PDL?
Pregnancy Disability Leave is a California state law that allows pregnant employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for pregnancy-related conditions. This includes time off for severe morning sickness, prenatal care, childbirth, and recovery.
Who is Eligible?
Any woman working for an employer with five or more employees.
There is no minimum tenure requirement, meaning you are eligible from your first day on the job.
Duration and Coverage:
Up to 4 months (17.3 weeks) per pregnancy.
The leave can be taken intermittently or continuously.
Covers time off for pregnancy-related disabilities, including prenatal care and recovery postpartum.
Job Protection:
Your job, or a comparable position, must be available upon your return.
You maintain your group health insurance coverage during your leave under the same terms as if you were working.
How to Apply:
Notify your employer as soon as possible of your need for leave.
Provide a doctor’s note specifying the need for PDL and the anticipated duration.
Short-Term Disability (STD)
What is STD?
Short-Term Disability insurance provides partial wage replacement when you are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. In California, this is managed through the EDD (Employee Development Department).
Who is Eligible?
Employees who have paid into the SDI fund through payroll deductions (most California employees).
You need to have earned at least $300 in wages during your base period (a specific 12-month period).
Duration and Coverage:
Typically provides up to 52 weeks of benefits (but you do have be certified as being unable to work).
For pregnancy, STD benefits usually cover 4 weeks before your due date and 6 to 8 weeks postpartum, depending on the type of delivery (6 weeks for vaginal birth, 8 weeks for cesarean section).
Financial Benefits:
Approximately 60-70% of your weekly wages, depending on your income, up to a maximum set by the state.
Benefits are paid bi-weekly.
How to Apply:
File a claim with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) online or by mail.
Your healthcare provider must certify your disability and provide necessary medical information.
Combining PDL and STD
In California, you can use both PDL and STD in tandem to maximize your leave and financial benefits:
PDL First: Start with PDL when you are disabled by pregnancy. This provides up to 4 months of unpaid, job-protected leave.
STD Benefits: While on PDL, apply for STD to receive wage replacement benefits during the disability period.
Transition to Bonding Leave: After PDL, you may be eligible for additional leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) for bonding with your new baby. CFRA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave and can be used consecutively with PDL. The wage replacement arm of bonding is called “Paid Family Leave” and that provides you with 8 weeks of partial pay.
I have a few resources that can help you to navigate all of this because I know it can feel like you are learning a whole new language (it’s taken me 6+ months of studying it daily to fully understand!!) so use me as a resource please to save yourself time!
Here are the resources:
My Expecting Parents Checklists (2 Checklists for $10) if you just want a guide to get started and learn how to file for Paid Family Leave. On sale right now!
Self paced, 40+ Module California Parental Leave Masterclass ($15 off right now and includes a complimentary 15 minute ask me anything call with purchase!)
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Hope everyone is having a great start to the week! Make sure to take advantage of the limited time pricing on my resources so you can get your maximum amount of time off with your little one :) I’m here to help!
Take care!
Brittney O’Brien
Itsyourleave California Parental Leave Consultant