Maternity Leave & Benefits
Leave and Benefits Information for Expecting Mothers
Congratulations! If you are thinking about having a baby or are already pregnant, this page will help you understand your rights and benefits.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides job-protected leave regulated by the US Department of Labor. Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for reasons such as the birth and care of a newborn or the adoption of a child. To qualify, employees must have worked for PfISD for at least 12 months and have completed 1,250 hours of service before their start of leave.
State Temporary Disability Leave (TDL)
Employees who do not qualify for FMLA may be eligible for State Temporary Disability Leave (TDL). This job-protected leave is available to employees required to hold a certificate through the State Board for Educator Certification (such as teachers, education associates, principals, etc.). The duration of the leave is determined by the delivery method and/or additional medical documentation.
Local Temporary Disability Leave (TDL)
Local Temporary Disability Leave (TDL) is job-protected leave provided to employees who do not qualify for FMLA or State TDL and have worked for the district for 30 calendar days. The maximum length of this leave is 45 calendar days.
While on leave, employees must use their state days and any earned local sick and/or non-contract days. Once these leave days are exhausted, the employee will either be docked pay or pay may stop. A pay estimate will be provided once the completed forms are received by the Leave Office. Maternity/Paternity leave cannot be taken intermittently.
How to Request Leave
To initiate leave requests, employees should email leave@pfisd.net and provide their estimated due date. The PfISD Leave Office will then send the appropriate PfISD Request Form (FML, State TDL or Local TDL) and Medical Certification form, along with a submision deadline. Once all required paperwork is submitted, employees will receive a confirmation email from the Leave Office, including a pay estimate detailing paycheck amounts and the expected return date.
Disability Insurance (The Standard) The Standard 1.800.368.1135
Disability insurance provides income protection for employees unable to work and is separate from paid leave days. While on leave, employees may receive pay for accrued leave days in addition to their disability benefit, which is paid directly to them outside of payroll. Employees unsure of their eligibility or seeking more information should contact the Benefits Department. Upon going on leave, employees should ensure they receive a claim form, comprising sections for patient and doctor completion, with the final section completed by the Leave Department. After the baby's birth, the completed form is sent to the Leave Department, which forwards it to The Standard for processing. Processing times are handled by The Standard, and employees can contact them directly for status updates.
Hospital Indemnity (Cigna) Cigna 1.800.754.3207
Supplemental insurance provides benefits for hospitalization. If enrolled, you can file a claim with Cigna for the number of days hospitalized. Depending on the plan you enrolled in, it may pay between $500-$1,500 a day (1 benefit every 365 days). For the rest of the days, you may receive between $100-200 a day for up to 30 days.
Payment of Benefit Premiums
While out on leave, employee benefits remain active, including the district's contribution towards medical plans during Family and Medical Leave. If an employee exhausts accrued leave days and stops receiving payroll checks, they are responsible for paying benefit premiums directly using the online portal, RevTrak. Failure to make payments may result in termination of benefits. Employees should regularly check their work email for communication regarding leave details, premium payments, and other important information.
Qualifying Life Event
To add a new baby to health insurance, contact the Benefits Department via email (benefits@pfisd.net) or phone (512.594.0026). Complete the 2025 Qualifying Event Form and submit it along with a copy of the baby's birth certificate or hospital birth facts. Enrollment must be completed within 60 days of birth, otherwise, it must wait until open enrollment.
Benefits & Leave Department: 512-594-0026