Calculate how long you will be away from your work without pay
It is important to know how long your maternity leave will last. That is the first step to take when making a budget.
Qualified workers under The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are offered over 3 months of job-secured, unpaid leave from work yearly when any serious issue occurs such as family problems, health concerns or pregnancy [1]. In some cases, new parents may receive paid leave for a period. The money you’ll need while you are away from work depends on how long the leave will last.
You must consider your personal needs and budget to calculate how long the leave will last. It is possible to decline to stay away from work if you think the amount you have isn’t sufficient or your expenses are too much.
It would help to know that your health and your baby’s health must be considered when estimating how long the break will last. It also determines what to make a priority in the budget.
Do not leave your husband out of this. He should also be evaluating what offers are available in his workplace. It helps when you plan together on how long the maternity or paternity break should take, whether it is unpaid or paid. This way, it is easier to determine the amount of time each of you should spend on the break and when it should start.
Talk to the HR department in your office about the leave rules, how to apply for leave and any criteria you must meet to qualify.