Pregnancy Disability Benefits

Q: My first baby is due in six months. I'm enrolled in UC's Supplemental Disability plan with a 90-day waiting period. Will I receive disability benefits during my pregnancy and delivery?

A: Most likely, no. Assuming you have a normal pregnancy and delivery without complications, the normal period of pregnancy disability is two weeks pre-partum and six weeks post-partum. Since your period of disability would end before you had completed your 90-day waiting period, no benefits would be payable.

Q: Can I shorten my disability waiting period?

A: If you are outside of a period of initial eligibility (PIE), you can only shorten your waiting period by applying for increased coverage by submitting a UPAY 850 form to your local Benefits Office, and a Statement of Health from (available from your Benefits Office) to the insurance carrier. The carrier has the right to decline your request based on your current medical status or past history. Generally, an individual who is already pregnant will be declined.

For more information about pregnancy disability benefits, see the Pregnancy and Newborn Child Factsheet, available on At Your Service.