Benefits Information

Leave of Absence

B. Maternity Leave (Pregnancy Disability)

An employee going on maternity leave must submit medical documentation in the same manner as employees on other types of medical leave. An employee, under normal circumstances, is considered disabled 4 weeks prior to and 6 weeks after the birth of the baby (8 weeks for cesarean section). Sick leave can only be used during the time the employee is actually considered disabled.

1. New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
When an employee is temporarily disabled due to pregnancy and has exhausted all earned sick leave, she may apply for temporary disability insurance (TDI). Eligibility and amount of paid benefit are determined by the New Jersey Department of Labor and is paid after the first seven consecutive days of each period of disability (waiting week). The waiting week becomes compensable when the disability benefits have been paid for all or some part of each of the three weeks immediately following the waiting week.

Brochures and applications for Temporary Disability Insurance may be obtained in the Office Of Human Resources.

2. Health Benefits
Employees on medical leave as a result of pregnancy disability maintain full health benefits and pension coverage while in pay status. At the point the employee moves to leave without pay status during a normal pregnancy disability, she will continue her health benefits for a period of 3 months and may be eligible for Family Leave. If a benefit (Dental and/or Health Plan) requires a payroll deduction, this premium contribution must be paid during this period to continue coverage.

3. Pension
Members of the Public Employees Retirement System, Teachers Pension Annuity Fund and Police and Firemen's Retirement System are eligible to purchase credit for up to a maximum of two years for authorized medical leaves. There is no such provision in the Alternate Benefit Program.

4. Life Insurance
Group life insurance coverage will continue during your pregnancy disability. No contributions will be required from members covered by contributory life insurance to continue their insurance.

In the event your pregnancy does not fall within the normal disability guidelines and you are required by your physician to begin your disability leave earlier than the 4 weeks before or extend beyond the 6 to 8 weeks after the birth, refer to the section on Medical Leaves for procedures.