Maternity Benefits for New Employee

[crysinsf]

I live in California. I just found out I am pregnant. I want to switch jobs, but I'm worried about losing state and federal maternity benefits, as I will give birth before the 1 year mark. (The company I work for does not offer more than what is required.) If I do leave, what maternity leave benefits will I be entitled to at a new company including: amount of time, paid leave, job security. Thanks!

 

[tranquility]

Pretty much none. Paid leave is never something you get outside contract and FMLA covers you after a year. You get disability leave protections if you become disabled through the pregnancy. But, CFRA leave follows almost the same rules as FMLA so you would not be eligible for that.

 

[crysinsf]

Follow up question

Tranquility-so no unpaid leave and no job protection?

 

[tranquility]

Not for bonding and the like, but for pregnancy related disability. And, by "job protection" not at all. (Unless you are being fired for being pregnant.)

 

[TigerD]

Bear in mind - it is also extremely unlikely that another company will hire you if they know you are pregnant.

DC

 

[ecmst12]

If she just found out, then no one will be able to tell by looking at her. So unless she tells them, they won't know.

 

[cbg]

I've hired a woman knowing she was pregnant...

 

[ecmst12]

And of course, it's illegal to refuse to hire someone just because they are pregnant. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but it's still illegal.