I had been approved from my employer the authorization to obtain 2007 vacation and sick leave pay to receive an income while on maternity leave. I am now on maternity leave and my employer is declining to give me my 2007 vacation and sick leave pay. Does the state of Missouri have short term disability assistance program that I could apply for. My employer does not offer short term disability and I do not pay for short term disability insurance. What can I do to receive assistance or am I out of luck until I am authorized to go back to work?

Nope, Missouri is not one of the few states that have a mandated state disability plan (they are: CA, NJ, NY, HI, RI). You might try your county social services agency for assistance with rent, utilities, food stamps, etc.

Sorry, but there are only five states that offer/mandate a short term disability policy and Missouri is not one of them.

I don't mean this to be as harsh as it will probably seem, but why is it someone else's responsibility to see that you have an income while you are on maternity leave? Why is it not your responsibility to think ahead and see that you have some form of income beforehand?