Working while on maternity leave

OK, so I can't wait to be out for 14 weeks and all, but I also feel like I will miss my job (ssshhh..don't tell my bosses!). But I feel like when I get back my bosses won't feel like they "need" me as much as they think they do.

Well, today my main boss, who is a very senior partner here said to me, "I'm going to ask you a very inappropriate question. Do you think that while you are on maternity leave, you can still help out with some things like press releases and stuff like that? I just don't trust anyone else to do it." My answer was "I'm sure I can help with some things."

Now, my company is very good with paying people for their work, so I'm sure I would get compensated somehow. Either by putting in overtime or something like that, so that's not the problem. And, I really don't mind doing it because I feel like I am more securing my job than anything (I know, totally selfish), but I really do like working with my bosses and would only leave them if I felt they were giving me a bad deal. Plus, I really care about our clients and wouldn't want all of my and Jeff's (my boss) hard work at securing very good relationships get messed up by a temp.

I guess my question is...is it ILLEGAL to work during maternity leave? Can I work and get paid for my services and still collect disability?

Sorry so long and any and all thoughts are welcome.

Re: Working while on maternity leave

I don't know about what's legal or not, but since both me and my boss are going to be out on maternity leave I'm pretty sure I'll have to work from home on occassion. THey offered to extend my maternity or give me more vacation days when I get back to compensate me for the hours I put in.

That's fine with me since we only get 2 weeks vacation.

Re: Working while on maternity leave

I'm not sure about that, but I think its a great idea!

Re: Working while on maternity leave

I believe that you cannot work while collecting disability- but disability would be for 6 or 8 weeks only (depending on vaginal or c-section). So, you could work from weeks 6-14....

Re: Working while on maternity leave

A women at my company was told by HR that she could not work while on disability. I'm not sure if that's a state rule or just our company policy, but they made it seem like it was an official law.

I'm sure your company can figure out a way to pay you for your time...maybe a bonus once you come back?

Re: Working while on maternity leave

Posted by casey31

I believe that you cannot work while collecting disability- but disability would be for 6 or 8 weeks only (depending on vaginal or c-section). So, you could work from weeks 6-14....

Re: Working while on maternity leave

Posted by Stacey1403

Posted by casey31

I believe that you cannot work while collecting disability- but disability would be for 6 or 8 weeks only (depending on vaginal or c-section). So, you could work from weeks 6-14....

You can work once your 6 to 8 weeks is up.

Re: Working while on maternity leave

Posted by casey31

I believe that you cannot work while collecting disability- but disability would be for 6 or 8 weeks only (depending on vaginal or c-section). So, you could work from weeks 6-14....

Re: Working while on maternity leave

I'm not getting disability but I am planning on helping out on one project while i am out. It will become big once i am back and don't want to be out of the loop when i come back so i asked to do this. My boss agreed (but as he said he won't say anything on the books about it). If anything i probably will work something out maybe to get an extra week at the end of my 12 weeks if i come in for 5 days or something like that.