Question regarding Unemployement

I will be getting laid off soon and will be applying for unemployment. I am also pregnant and due in about 6 months. Depending on when I get laid off - I will be having my baby while still on unemployment or right after my benefits expire.

does anyone know if you still get your unemployement benefits if you have a baby? Or do they get suspended until 8-12 weeks? Does NYS offer any short term disability for pregnancy? I had it with my job but im assuming once im laid off that I cant apply through their policy.

Re: Question regarding Unemployement

I received unemployment throughout my whole pregnancy and after. Not sure if that was what was supposed to happen, but I didn't read anything that stated I had to let them know, so my benefits just continued.

Re: Question regarding Unemployement

I was laid off in December and had my baby in January. I was on unemployment that entire time, until August when I went back to work.

Being pregnant does not preclude you from getting unemployment. It's actually one of the FAQs on the website - take a look. You will be fine! You'll just have to remember to claim your unemployment every week, even if you are in the hospital, having just given birth!

Hope this helps!

Re: Question regarding Unemployement

There website says they cant exclude you from unemployment because your pregnant as long as your willing and able to work. But according to them, once you have a child you are ineligible for unemployment because you are inable to work (until the 8-12 weeks your dr says you can)

But I guess you can technically keep filing because they have no way of knowing if your in the hospital having a baby.

It does seem like you can file a disability claim through NYS workers comp. If unemployment suspends benefits and disability kicks in - not sure if unemployment would continue once disability is over??

Was hoping someone has experience with this - if you can do the disability then resume unemployment it would be more $$

Re: Question regarding Unemployement

You're wrong. And no, you would not be able to go from unemployment to disability and back to unemployment.


Question Does pregnancy affect my eligibility for unemployment insurance?

Answer No. Federal and state laws prohibit the denial of benefits to any claimant because of pregnancy. Pregnant claimants are eligible for benefits according to the same rules that apply to all other claimants. If you are ready, willing and able to work, and are actively searching for work, the fact of your pregnancy has no bearing on your collecting benefits.

There is no requirement that you disclose your pregnancy unless it affects your ability to perform work in your usual occupations. A federal court decree prohibits the Unemployment Insurance Division from engaging in discrimination on the basis of pregnancy.