How much leave can new parents take after the birth or adoption of a child? How do employees add children to insurance coverage, and when? Here are some handy tips for what you need to do.
Taking Family Medical Leave
Family Medical Leave (FML) is available to full-time employees who have worked one full year. Maternity or paternity leave can be taken up to four months. Below are the steps to taking FML leave for the new addition to your family.
- Complete your campus’ one-page FML request form.
- Initially, you should list the due date of your child as your FML start date. If the start date of your leave needs to change due to your doctor’s recommendation or early arrival of your child, contact your campus HR office and notify your department.
- You and your supervisor or department head must sign the form.
- Return the form to your campus HR office at least 30 days in advance, if possible.
- HR will process the request and send you a letter notifying you of approval. A copy of the letter will also be sent to the supervisor and to the Payroll office.
In the case of adoption, leave begins when you receive custody of the child. Contact your campus HR office with additional questions.
Steps to Adding a New Child to Insurance
- Contact your campus insurance office within 31 days of the birth.
- Complete the appropriate insurance form and provide a copy of the birth certificate (the mother’s copy issued by the hospital is fine).
- Within 60 days of your newborn’s date of birth, contact your campus insurance office and provide them with the child’s social security number. The State Benefits Administration Office will provide you with a temporary SSN since the processing time is six to eight weeks.
Waiting beyond 31 days to notify and provide the proper paperwork to your campus insurance office can create problems with claims.
Tags: Family
