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The Global Insight

Can you claim short-term disability for pregnancy?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 26, 2026

Pregnancy is typically not covered by short-term disability, but if you have to stop working due to medical complications as a result of pregnancy before you go on parental leave, you might qualify for STD.

When can I apply for short-term disability for pregnancy?

If your pregnancy is normal and uncomplicated, the disability period begins on the cease work date recommended by your physician, but not earlier than between two and twenty weeks (depending on your type of occupation) before the expected date of delivery.

Is maternity leave the same as short term disability?

Are Short Term Disability and Maternity Leave The Same Thing? Women can qualify for short-term disability while pregnant. Short-term disability insurance can cover part of your income while you are out of work due to pregnancy and birth. And pregnancy is one of the most common causes of short-term disability leave.

Can short term disability be denied?

Short-term disability claims are usually denied for one of these reasons: The condition isn’t covered. You have to understand the terms of your policy before you apply for benefits. Some policies cover time off for childbirth by C-section, for example, and others don’t.

What is the time frame for short term disability?

Short-term policies generally last between 9 weeks and 52 weeks, after which time your benefit will end. You may then have the option of moving to a Long-Term Disability policy or applying for Social Security Disability Insurance.

Is pregnancy considered a disability?

Although pregnancy itself is not a disability, pregnant workers may have impairments related to their pregnancies that qualify as disabilities under the ADA. Amendments to the ADA made in 2008 make it much easier than it used to be to show that an impairment is a disability.

What happens if you don’t return to work after short-term disability?

Under some policies, if you cannot return to your “own occupation,” you can receive a monthly long-term disability benefit — even if you return to work with a different role. Depending on your policy, you might be able to receive a full LTD benefit or a residual benefit.

What is the time frame for short-term disability?

Can I be denied short term disability?

Can you lose your job due to pregnancy?

The short answer is no. You cannot be fired for being pregnant under most circumstances. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) both prohibit U.S. employers from terminating employees due to pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions.

How does short term disability work for pregnancy?

Short-term disability insurance and pregnancy. Short-term disability insurance policies are generally provided by employers and replace a portion of your paycheck if you can’t work due to illness or injury for a short period of time, up to one full year. The time between the disability diagnosis and when you get benefits is often just a few weeks.

When to file a disability claim for pregnancy?

If your pregnancy-related condition will require you to stop working earlier than four weeks prior to your baby’s estimated due date, you can file a claim sooner.

Is there an insurance plan for short term disability?

In almost all cases, short-term disability is covered through private insurance plans, which you may purchase privately or you may get through your employer as a fringe benefit. Only a few states offer short-term disability programs and paid maternity leave programs.

When to use sick days for short term disability?

Coverage for short-term disability usually begins between 1 and 14 days after it has been approved. It’s common for employees to use their sick days before short-term disability kicks in. Using short-term disability for maternity leave