Post-pregnancy maternity disability plan
New mothers need time to recover after delivering a baby. For many, that means time away from work. While you’re away, income protection is one way American will help you focus more on what’s important, and less on finances. The Post-Pregnancy Maternity Short-term Disability Plan (Maternity Disability Plan) will provide up to 10 weeks of disability pay to a team member after delivery.
Eligibility
U.S.-based mainline team members
Benefit
The Maternity Disability Plan provides up to 10 weeks of taxable disability pay with medical substantiation at 100% of your base salary (total pay excluding overtime, profit sharing, commissions, bonuses and incentive pay). Benefits are paid by MetLife.
Process
Apply by calling MetLife at 888-533-6287 up to 60 days prior to your due date or anticipated delivery date to facilitate a smooth transition and minimize delays in receiving disability pay. Once you deliver, notify MetLife and you will begin to receive disability payments on a weekly basis. Prior to week 6 of your recovery (week 8 if you delivered via C-section), your healthcare provider will need to confirm that you require additional recovery time. Your plan may provide up to 10 weeks of coverage. About a week before the conclusion of your participation in the Maternity Disability Plan, inform your supervisor of your intended return to work date, and submit a completed Return to Work form to the Absence and Return Center (ARC).
Other
The Maternity Disability Plan is funded by American. Team members are eligible once requirements are met. While participating in the Maternity Disability Plan, you remain eligible for other health and welfare benefits and travel. A leave of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), to the extent available, will be applied concurrently during the disability period. MetLife will coordinate Maternity Disability Plan payments with benefits provided by other American-sponsored short-term disability plans and any state or local entities that offer disability payments to ensure you are receiving 100 percent of your base salary.
For more information or to apply for the Maternity Disability Plan benefits, call MetLife at 888-533-6287.
You can review the policy or access the Post-Pregnancy Maternity Disability Form for more information.