fille_vilain
05-19-2007, 08:35 PM
I have been working full time for my company for 2 1/2 years. I am located in Chicago. I did not inform anyone that I was pregnant. I worked the full 9 months full time during my pregnancy. I didn't think I was going to keep the baby. I changed my mind and decided to parent. I do not have insurance through my company or any really. My boss now knows the situation. So my question is... Do I qualify for paid maternity? If so how long? Is there any law about such thing? I would like some information before I go to my boss (the company can tend to be a tad shady.)
Betty3
05-19-2007, 09:24 PM
There is no law in Il. that your employer is required to offer paid maternity leave for any length of time. You may be entitled to unpaid time off under FMLA if all the eligibility requirements are met.
moburkes
05-20-2007, 11:28 AM
If you have accrued vacation or sick time, you could use that.
BnThrDnTht
05-20-2007, 12:54 PM
What is offered by way of written company policy? You should be entitled to what ever anyone else would be entitled to reagardless of your personal situation. Absolutely ask for FMLA to protect having a job when you are ready to return. Provided of course you and your employer qualify by FMLA guidelines. Employed for 1 year prior to needing the leave, working at least 1250 hours in the previous 12 months and the employer must have at least 50 employees within a 75 mile radius of your work location. FMLA protects your position or one with similar status and pay for up to 12 weeks. They have no obligation to pay you unless they have a written policy that says otherwise.
robb71
05-20-2007, 12:59 PM
If you have accrued vacation or sick time, you could use that.
This is true only if company policy permits it. Your best bet is to confirm the policy and go from there. Any guarantee for timeoff would be unpaid under FMLA.
moburkes
05-20-2007, 01:20 PM
This is true only if company policy permits it. Your best bet is to confirm the policy and go from there. Any guarantee for timeoff would be unpaid under FMLA.
What do you mean? A person could have sick/vacation time, but would be ineligible to use it?:confused:
robb71
05-20-2007, 01:26 PM
By nature FMLA is "unpaid" leave. Company policy should dictate when/if PTO usage is permitted during the FMLA absence. It is possible that PTO usage could be prohibited in this situation. My experience is that companies generally permit this BUT the possibility does exist that the company in question does not. This is why OP should definitely confirm what policy says.
JulieBean
05-21-2007, 10:40 AM
What do you mean? A person could have sick/vacation time, but would be ineligible to use it?:confused:
A person could certainly request to use their sick/vacation time, but the company does not necessarily have to approve it. I have no idea why they wouldn't, but it's still a possibility. Some companies are wierd like that. :rolleyes:
