PTO and Maternity Leave - Using PTO with Maternity Leave
Complete guide to using PTO with maternity leave. Learn strategies for extending leave, coordinating benefits, and maximizing your time off for recovery and bonding.
Using PTO with Maternity Leave
PTO can be used to supplement or extend maternity leave. Common strategies: Use PTO before short-term disability starts, add PTO to end of leave for more time, or use PTO during unpaid FMLA periods. Plan ahead to maximize benefits.
Sequence of Benefits
Typical sequence: PTO (if required/desired) → Short-term disability (if available) → Unpaid FMLA → Extended PTO at end. Coordinate timing to maximize paid time. Understand waiting periods and eligibility requirements.
Employer Requirements
Employers may require you to use PTO concurrently with unpaid FMLA. They cannot require use before FMLA eligibility. Some require exhausting PTO before accessing company-paid leave. Check your specific policy.
Planning Strategies
Save PTO throughout pregnancy. Calculate total available leave (PTO + disability + FMLA). Coordinate with your partner's leave. Plan for recovery and bonding time. Understand return-to-work timing. Get all approvals in writing.