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.

Take advantage of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for ideas, solutions and materials to help with life’s everyday challenges, including valuable resources for expecting and new parents. Your EAP can help you find adoption, counseling and childcare services near you, and you can even request a Pregnancy CareKit or New Baby CareKit.

Call 833-721-2322 or visit the EAP page to learn more.

Adoptive parents often face significant financial commitments before the newest member of their family even makes it home. Our adoption assistance program helps team members with adoption costs by reimbursing up to $4,000 of their eligible adoption-related expenses.

Eligibility

Mainline team members who have at least one year of continuous service with American immediately preceding the date on which the adoption is finalized.

Benefit

Reimbursement of up to $4,000 for qualified adoption expenses per adoption case, with a maximum reimbursement of $8,000 over your employment with American. In addition, two positive-space round trip tickets on American flights will be provided to you and another family member (who is a D2 or D2P-eligible), if needed, to pick up a qualified adoptee who does not reside in your nearby community. American will provide additional one-way tickets to bring your new family member(s) home.

Qualified adoptee

Any child who is under the age of 18 or is age 18 or older and incapable of self-care due to a mental or physical disability at the time the adoption is finalized.

Qualified adoptee expenses

• Court costs and attorney’s fees relating to the adoption.
• Necessary travel expenses relating directly to the adoption of the qualified adoptee, including the amount spent for lodging and meals, while away from home.
• Other expenses directly related to the legal adoption of a qualified adoptee.

These expenses will be reimbursed at the company’s discretion.

Process

Submit an adoption reimbursement request form within six months of the finalized adoption, along with all supporting receipts and documentation for approval. Once approved, your adoption reimbursement will be paid to you through payroll in the manner in which you are usually paid. Applicable payroll taxes will be withheld.

Other information

Adoption reimbursement is not included in eligible earnings for pension, 401(k) or profit-sharing purposes. Find out more about our adoption reimbursement program by reviewing the frequently asked questions on Jetnet.

To get started, download the Adoption Assistance Form.