What tips should I keep in mind?

FMLA provides job protection but no pay — it just holds your job for 12 weeks. Start saving early — build a 3-month expense buffer before your due date. Short-term disability must be in place BEFORE pregnancy to cover maternity.

Maternity Leave Pay Calculator

Calculate total maternity leave income from employer benefits, state programs, disability insurance, and PTO.

Annual Salary ($)(Your gross annual salary)

Employer Paid Leave (weeks)(Weeks of fully paid leave from employer)

Employer Pay Rate (%)(Percentage of salary during employer leave)

State Paid Family Leave(Does your state have paid leave?)

Short-Term Disability (weeks)(Weeks of STD coverage (usually 6-8))

STD Pay Rate (%)(Percentage of salary from disability)

Available PTO Days(Vacation/sick days to use)

Total Leave Desired (weeks)(Total weeks you want to take off)

Results

Visualization

How It Works

The US has no federal paid maternity leave. Income during leave comes from a patchwork of employer benefits, state programs, disability insurance, and PTO.

The Formula

Total Income = Employer Pay + State Program + Disability + PTO

Income Gap = Full Salary Equivalent - Total Income

Variables

FMLA — Federal law guaranteeing 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave
STD — Short-term disability — typically covers 6-8 weeks at 60% pay

Worked Example

$65K salary, 6 weeks STD at 60%, 10 PTO days, 12 weeks total: $4,500 STD + $2,500 PTO = $7,000 paid. Gap: $8,000.

Practical Tips

FMLA provides job protection but no pay — it just holds your job for 12 weeks.
Start saving early — build a 3-month expense buffer before your due date.
Short-term disability must be in place BEFORE pregnancy to cover maternity.
Some employers top up disability payments to full salary.
Check if your state has a paid family leave program — 11 states + DC currently do.

Last updated: March 15, 2026 · Reviewed by the FertilityCalcs Editorial Team