Updated at: 06-07-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

In this tutorial, we’ll discuss ways to make maternity leave financially workable. Mothers and babies both benefit from maternity leave, but it typically comes at a heavy cost. Only 13% of women in the United States receive paid maternity leave from their workplaces.

However, there are some ways to afford this vital time off work:

Use your employer to apply for a short-term disability benefit. Prenatal care and postpartum care can also be covered under this type of maternity leave, which pays you a portion of your salary while you’re away from work.

The state and local governments may be able to provide financial aid. Pregnant women who are experiencing major health concerns or medical complications are typically eligible for compensated time off under this type of arrangement. If you don’t have access to short-term disability benefits through your job, you may be eligible as well, although eligibility rules vary by location, so check first!

How to Negotiate and Plan for Your Maternity Leave | FlexJobs

Plan ahead of time to save money! When you have a new baby on the way, it’s critical to have an emergency fund set up in case something unexpected occurs, such as diapers and formula. It’s a good idea to hunt for a new job with better perks if you’re currently in debt.

Short-term disability and paid leave are not the same thing. Additionally, if a woman is eligible, she may be eligible for paid maternity leave from her workplace.

These kinds of paid leave are normally reserved for pregnant women who are experiencing major health difficulties or medical complications. If you don’t have access to short-term disability benefits through your job, you may be eligible as well, although eligibility rules vary by location, so check first!

A Growing Conflict

No matter where you live in the country or how much money you make, it’s likely that you or someone you know has had a kid while working. Instead of being a time of joy, peace, and rest for new mothers and adoptive parents, maternity leave in the United States has become a source of increasing tension in the workplace and in the personal life of women.

Returning to work and leaving their newborn babies in the care of others is a difficult decision for many women. Mothers-to-be in other countries have more time to recuperate and prepare for their return to work because of longer maternity leave policies. For all these reasons, many women nowadays are taking a lengthier maternity leave of more than the six weeks authorized by law. Some people require twelve weeks or even four months to complete the process. However, in the United States, how can one afford to take that much unpaid leave?

Staying at home with a new baby has a value that many people do not consider to be equal to the value of going back to work and earning a wage. However, just because they would rather be at home with their children instead of working does not imply they are not in need of a salary. While they are away, there must be a way to pay the bills! As I prepare to welcome my second child into the world, I’m sharing my experiences with maternity leave in Spain, as well as how I became aware of the difficulty of affording maternity leave in the United States. I wish you the best of luck as you begin to plan for your lengthy maternity leave.

5 Tips On How to Afford Maternity or Adoption Leave

According to the Kid Poverty Action Group, the average cost of raising a child to the age of 18 is now estimated at roughly £160,000 for couples and £190,000 for single parents. As you plan to have a child, there are many things to consider. In addition to the long-term costs of your new arrival, such as clothing, food, and education, you’ll need to evaluate the financial implications of maternity or adoption leave and whether or not you can afford it. As a full-time employee, you’re entitled to 39 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) if you take 52 weeks of maternity leave.

Additionally, the SMP may be significantly less than your regular income, which means that having a baby may mean spending more while earning less. As maternity or adoption leave approaches, it’s a good time to take a look at your finances. The benefits of planning ahead are numerous, so think about how much vacation time you’d like to take and make arrangements appropriately. Pregnant women and those who plan on adopting a child should utilize these money-saving measures to keep their finances in check.

Build up your savings

To ensure that you have enough money to cover your expenses while on maternity leave, it is a good idea to build up a savings account while pregnant. While saving money is always a good idea, having a child might make it much more important to have a financial cushion in place in the event of an unforeseen expense.

Putting aside even a small amount of money each month is a healthy habit to get into. You may be amazed at how much you can afford to spend on the essentials like bibs, bottles, and babygrows when you start stockpiling.

Make a budget

With the arrival of a new child comes a slew of new obligations and costs. When you learn how to budget, you’ll be better prepared to deal with unexpected expenses. In terms of money, most people know how much they make but are unsure of how much they spend each month. Financial planning and self-control begin with keeping track of your income and expenses.

Consider the following questions when you review your budget: Are there any gaps? Is that top-of-the-line buggy actually within your means? Or would it be more cost-effective to buy a used one, allowing you to save money for other purchases? The only way to know for sure how much you can spend on baby’s clothes, toys, and equipment is to get a clear picture of your own financial situation.

Look for deals on your bills

Your normal household costs can now be compared to your budget to discover if you are spending too much. Checking up on your household expenses may not be at the top of your to-do list when you have a new baby, but doing so might save you a lot of money in the long term.

As far as road tax and TV licenses go, there’s nothing you can do about them, but when it comes to house and car insurance, energy bills, broadband/mobile contract negotiation there’s a lot of room for improvement. Switching providers or tariffs can help you save money, which you can then use to buy additional things for your child. In many cases, you can save money by switching suppliers or negotiating a better deal with your existing supplier if you’re out of contract. The easiest way to get the greatest bargain for your needs is to browse around and then ask your provider to match it, such as when your broadband contract is about to expire.

They may not, but if they don’t, you’ll have the option of switching to a different provider. For those who have a contract, you can still shop around for cheaper offers, but you should be aware of any exit fees you may be required to pay if your contract is terminated. It’s possible to get out of a contract early and pay the fees, but it all relies on your personal situation.

Consider your alternatives thoroughly when it comes to energy providers, especially. In light of recent price increases and the expected increase in the energy price cap in February, switching providers now may not be the best option. In addition, if your current provider has gone out of business, you should not switch until Ofgem has designated a new provider. If you don’t wait, you may find it difficult to recover whatever money you owe.

Shop secondhand

To get the best deals on baby necessities, check out internet marketplaces or your local charity shops and car boot sales. While on maternity leave, you can make some extra money by selling unneeded stuff online. You can buy or sell clothes, toys, and more on marketplaces like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.

It’s also possible to search neighborhood sites like Freecycle, which allows you to donate and receive stuff for free; or Nextdoor, which may have exactly what you’re looking for right outside of your front door. From friends and family members who have recently had children, you may be able to acquire free old clothing and other necessities for your baby. The best way to find what you’re looking for is to get the word out and you never know who might be trying to get rid of it.

Make the most of what you’re entitled to from work

It’s a good idea to stay in touch with your boss and coworkers while you’re on maternity leave if you want to return to work soon after. If you want to stay on top of what’s going on in the company, including any potential promotion prospects, this is the way to do it. Keep in touch with your coworkers and coworkers by using your “keeping in touch” (KIT) days, which can be utilized for training or meetings.

You will not lose any of your statutory maternity benefits if you take up to ten KIT days. In addition, while on maternity or adoption leave, you will continue to accrue vacation time. It is possible to take this near the conclusion of your paid time off so that you can spend even more time with your infant while still being reimbursed for the time you spend with them.

What is parental leave?

Professionals who are expecting a child can take a long hiatus from work during their maternity leave to be with their new baby. During this time off, employers absolve their employees of any and all responsibilities relating to their jobs. This provides parents with some breathing room while they get used to their new family. Different sorts of parental leave are available, with varying lengths and compensation, depending on the circumstances.

16 ways to make money on parental leave

It is possible to make extra money while on parental leave through a variety of means. If you wish to maintain a regular work schedule, you may want to start a new job or merely work a few extra hours on the side. On parental leave, you can earn money by doing the following:

1. Offer transcription services

Audio recordings are listened to by a transcriptionist, who then transcribes them into written form. These specialists are sought after by a wide range of businesses, including medical, legal, and educational institutions. Transcriptionists are often paid on a per-audio basis, allowing them to choose their own hours and work whenever they want.

Transcribing while your child sleeps or whenever you have the time is a wonderful opportunity for parents.

2. Find freelance writing opportunities

Each piece of writing that a freelancer sells earns them money. When it comes to their daily agendas, these professionals are in charge. You can write about anything you want as a freelance writer because you can choose from a wide range of genres and themes to write about.

Your Company Should Get Rid Of Its Maternity Leave Policy

Think about discovering writing jobs that allow you to apply your professional knowledge. As an example, certain companies may be interested in opinion pieces or definitive articles on medical matters written by nurses.

3. Resell items

It’s possible to make money by reselling products in a way that’s practically entirely automatic. Consider getting rid of things you no longer use, such as old clothing or furniture. It’s possible to declutter your home while making extra money by reselling some of your belongings. You can locate clients on a wide range of websites and online marketplaces. Buying and reselling used goods is an easy way to make money because you can establish your own prices and thus have greater control over your earnings.

4. Create craft products

Consider making and selling crafts online if you’re talented or have the necessary resources. This allows you to establish your own prices and even have some fun while developing a product, similar to reselling products. Consider your own abilities and resources while deciding what to sell. Think about printing stickers, making artwork, or designing office and household goods to offer to internet customers on a crafting platform.

5. Offer care services

Consider providing home care services to folks in your area. You may be able to improve your skills to care for children and pets by taking up babysitting and pet-sitting jobs at home. You may even be able to watch another youngster or pet from the comfort of your own home. As a result, you are able to devote all of your time and energy to caring for your child while also earning a living.

It is not uncommon for babysitters to keep specified hours and charge by the hour. Consider reaching out to people in your business or personal network to see if they know of anyone in need of kid or pet care services.

6. Become a virtual assistant

Clients who use virtual assistants get assistance with administrative tasks. Writing and sending emails, scheduling tasks, offering technical assistance, and keeping records are all examples of this. Because many VAs are employed on a contractual basis, new parents can arrange to work during their parental leave.

7. Tutor students

Consider becoming a tutor if you have good interpersonal skills and are able to work with children. As a freelancer, you have the option of working with a wide range of customers and topics. Tutors can help students in person or online. For the sake of convenience, tutors typically work on the weekends or evenings, but both tutors and clients are free to set their own working hours.

8. Apply for call center representative positions

Positions as a call center representative don’t typically necessitate prior experience and can be done from home. When you work in a call center, you use a call list provided by your employer to make phone calls. While some contact center agents sell, others raise money or disseminate information. An excellent opportunity for new parents with excellent communication skills.

9. Take surveys

Certain websites allow professionals to create a profile and conduct surveys for a fee. Professionals on maternity leave can supplement their income by doing surveys, despite the fact that each one is paid at a different rate. It’s easy for these pros to take surveys at any moment. When it comes to surveys, the majority of them state how much money you can expect to make when you complete them. Consequently, the amount of money you make from your side job is entirely up to you.

10. Work as a bookkeeper

It is feasible to land a remote bookkeeping job even if you lack the necessary administrative, organizational, and mathematical skills. Professionals on maternity leave can benefit from working as a bookkeeper because it provides a flexible schedule and is often lucrative.

11. Offer freelance translation services

Consider offering translation services if you are fluent in a second language. Translation work is generally done from home and can be done at any time of day or night. Audio or written documents are translated into another language by translators, who must listen to or read the source material. It’s common for this type of profession to pay well because of one’s ability to speak a second language.

12. Apply for disability benefits

Disability benefits may be available to you if you recently gave birth or are still pregnant, depending on the state in which you live and the firm you work for. When you’re on parental leave, you don’t have to worry about finding a new career. Applying for disability benefits may allow you to get additional time to get used to your new family member before returning.

13. Start a blog

Consider launching a blog while on parental leave if you enjoy writing. For the best results, choose a topic that you are enthusiastic about that is broad enough to cover a lot of ground. When it comes to rabbit care, for example, you may establish a blog to discuss the various aspects of caring for a pet rabbit, such as the foods they eat and any health issues they may have.

Try to include affiliate links in your articles if you have a substantial readership. You can earn money every time a reader clicks on an affiliate link in your article.

14. Accept endorsements

You might be able to become a brand ambassador if you have a large enough social media following. In order to promote a particular product, brand ambassadors use social media to post online. To compensate you, the firm that sells the product pays a financial reward or allows you to keep the product you’re promoting. With these deals, you can get products that will assist you care for your child in exchange for your endorsements. Because you don’t have to buy these things, you save money in the long run.”

15. Sell pictures to stock photo companies

Selling photos on stock photo websites is another option to make money passively. Take a shot of anything generic, such a tree or a coffee mug, then upload it to a stock photo website. Royalties are paid to you every time one of your images is viewed or downloaded. To make money from selling your photographs, you don’t have to put in any effort at all.

16. Test new products and websites

Some businesses employ third parties to perform product or website testing in exchange for a free item or a monetary reward. You write an honest review on your experience with a product or website after getting it for testing. Advertising and product improvement are aided as a result.

FAQs

How much money should I save for maternity leave?

For two months of maternity leave, you would only need to save $4,000 rather than $7,000 if you do not receive any paid leave or disability benefits. In the event of a C-section, you should aim to take at least two months off from work to recover after the procedure.

Do most companies pay for maternity leave?

A total of 55% of firms in the United States will offer paid maternity leave by the year 2021. Some policies are better than others when it comes to maternity leave. While there is a federal law mandating maternity leave, a vast number of women in the United States do not enjoy access to any paid job protection after the birth of a new baby.

How long before due date should I take maternity leave?

About 55% of US firms will provide paid maternity leave by the year 2021. It is important to note that not all maternity leave policies are the same. However, despite the fact that the federal government has mandated paid maternity leave, many women in the United States do not have this benefit.

Can you be denied maternity leave?

Employees who are pregnant or have just given birth are protected by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, a federal legislation that prohibits employers from discriminating against pregnant employees. Because of this law, an employer can’t reject to hire a candidate because she’s pregnant or has a condition associated with pregnancy.

Can an employer refuse maternity leave?

You have no say in whether or whether your employees take maternity leave, and you have no say in how long they take.

Is maternity leave paid or unpaid?

Because maternity leave is unpaid, some businesses have understood this to suggest that an employee is neither working or entitled to pay while on maternity leave, hence no yearly leave is accrued.

Can I go back to work 2 weeks after having a baby?

Following the birth of a child, most expectant mothers are entitled to six weeks of “disability” leave. If the obligations of their employment and the level of domestic support they have make them believe they can return to work sooner, this may be the case for some working mothers.

Can they fire you for being pregnant?

No, that’s the quick answer. Most of the time, pregnant women can’t be dismissed. A U.S. business cannot fire an employee for being pregnant or suffering from a condition related to being pregnant because of the FMLA or PDA.

How long is typically paid maternity leave?

It is common practice for maternity leave to be paid, with varying benefits depending on the country. In certain nations, maternity leave is unpaid. Most large corporations in the United States provide unpaid maternity or paternity leave for 12 weeks (the Family Medical Leave Act). Six to eight weeks of paid parental leave is offered by many workplaces. An additional twelve weeks of unpaid parental leave is also available for each employee.

It is against the law to fire an employee who has requested or taken advantage of the FMLA’s family medical leave provisions without their consent. The reinstatement of workers who receive partial compensation from state disability insurance schemes is required when their leave of absence is over. During their time off from work, employees are entitled to the same benefits as if they were still employed, as long as their premiums are not raised due to their absence.

Although this provision applies after 30 days after the first unpaid FMLA leave in 12 months, it only applies for up to 12 weeks total in that year, and it only applies for the first 12 weeks of that year.

Is maternity leave 6 weeks or 12 weeks?

Maternity leave in Canada, for the first time for a mother, is not six weeks, as many people believe. Those who have not yet given birth or adopted a child but intend to return to work following the kid’s birth or adoption are eligible for this period of absence (ren). There are 15 weeks of parental EI, 35 weeks of sickness/incapacity EI, and 37-45 weeks of compassionate care EI benefits that are typically accessible under basic Employment Insurance (EI) coverage. New parents can take up to 50 weeks of leave with full job security!

Maternity Leave in the UK: How To Claim It | Pampers UK

Where are some good places to buy maternity clothes online?

Gilt is one retailer we’re aware of that offers a wide range of designer goods at deeply discounted costs. Overall, if you don’t know what to wear for your pregnancy wardrobe, it can be challenging. Wearing the appropriate clothing and accessories, on the other hand, can allow you to feel comfortable and stylish throughout your entire pregnancy!

Does JCPenney have maternity?

Every stage of your pregnancy is catered to by JCPenney’s maternity clothing selection. Pants and jeans are included in this category as well as tops and dresses.

What do I need to know about going up a size?

Pregnancy will cause you to move up a full-size or even two sizes! Wearing stretchy denim pants and apparel that fits loosely will come in handy, so have some on hand. Pregnancy clothing should be worn at what point? After at least four months of pregnancy, you should begin wearing maternity clothing! That way, you can adjust to your growing size without feeling too claustrophobic in typical attire. During the first trimester, it is preferable to wear these types of clothing. It’s critical to determine your pre-pregnancy clothing size before you begin shopping for maternity wear.

As a result, you’ll be able to use those things’ measurements instead of generic sizing guides that don’t take into consideration various brands or styles. It’s a good idea to stock up on new clothing throughout the second trimester because you’ll be in many circumstances where you’ll need something that’s both fashionable and practical! While skirts and dresses may still be popular, many women now prefer to wear their favorite oversized sweaters and yoga pants instead (at least until they get too big).