Plan your parental leave money

In the US, paid parental leave depends on your employer and your state. Finding out exactly what you'll get, and when, is the first step to budgeting for it.

Questions for HR

• Do you offer paid parental leave, and for how many weeks?
• Can I use paid vacation or sick time, and does it run at the same time as other leave?
• Does short-term disability cover recovery after birth, and what percentage of pay?
• Is my job protected under FMLA or a state law?
• How do my health insurance premiums get paid while I'm on leave?

FMLA in brief

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for a new child. It is unpaid. Eligibility depends on how long you've worked there, how many hours, and the size of your employer.

State paid leave

A growing number of states run paid family leave programs funded through payroll deductions. Benefits, waiting periods and how to apply differ by state, so check your state's program website early. Applications often have to be filed before or soon after leave starts.

Budget the gap

1. Write down each week of leave and the pay you'll receive for it
2. Compare with your normal take-home pay
3. Save the difference before the due date, or plan which costs to pause

General information, not legal advice. Your employer and state agency decide eligibility. Family Penny Saver isn't paid by any brand, store or insurer.