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    PDL, FML, SDSI… can I buy a vowel?

    I had a long needed conversation with my company’s HR and benefits reps about maternity leave. They kind of tag-teamed me, but it was for the best because I got some desperately needed answers.

    Let me tell you: reading forms online about what’s covered under PDL (Pregnancy Disability Leave) and FML (Family Medical Leave) and what isn’t covered is confusing. For each question we get answered another one pops up, and it doesn’t help that different places suggest contradictory (or seemingly contradictory) information.

    The good news is that my coverage is actually much better than I thought. Although when you start with very low standards, expecting no pay (while on leave), ANY pay seems like a deal!

    I get 7 weeks, or in specific HR terms “49 days” of 100% pay. Score! After that there are some more decreases until it goes to nothing, but hey, again, this does make a difference on bills… especially come Christmas time.

    My preparation for this meeting was faced with some enthusiasm, and some panic. S and I have been talking about this between us for some time now. We think of good questions… which I immediately forget. Last night, our dinner conversation focused around reading the latest bit of information we received with a fine tooth comb, and explicitly writing down the questions I needed to ask. I feel like such a kid! When I was young, my mom used to put my house key on a ribbon that I would wear around my neck. That way I wouldn’t loose it. I swear my pregnant mind isn’t as bad as I make it out to be, but there are times I wish I had a ribbon I can put around it for awhile.

    I’m shocked I get anything done at work!
    I’m shocked I remember what my job is at work!
    I’m shocked I can remember how to get to work!

    … anyway… maternity leave pay… Yey!

    5 responses to “PDL, FML, SDSI… can I buy a vowel?”

    1. Katie says:

      Yay!! Great news, isn’t it irritating how “they” (HR) keep that stuff secret!?

    2. avalikelava says:

      Eeeh, I didn’t find it so much secret as confusing doing the research online through our company’s Benefits website. Granted we’re big and international, so they try to make it very generic for each state (for the US-based site).

      It’s like reading legalese. You read the words, you understand each word, but together each sentence makes you go “Huh?!?”

    3. Sol says:

      I’m right there with ya! Nothing made me feel more like I wanted to just throw my hands up and have my mommy handle it than all that maternity leave gibberish. I hope you (more or less) have it all figured out now!
      Mrs Shmoopie

    4. libby08 says:

      Wow that is awesome coverage!

    5. JoAnne says:

      Hey Ava – Just cking in. Glad to hear all is going well! I love your blog! But I didn’t see anything re: daycare…if you’re one of the lucky ones and you get to stay home…then I’m JEALOUS. But if you’re going back to work at some point, start your search now – Kev and I have been looking for 3 months now and we don’t need a place until October…most have waiting lists in 2009 (at least the ones you want to use)…it’s madness!!! XO!

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