Childbirth and Parenting Leaves
Policy
Childbirth and Parenting Leaves for Academic Professionals
TEMPORARY DISABILITY RESULTING FROM PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
Policy and Procedures
In most cases, a maternity disability starts about four weeks before the scheduled delivery date and ends about six to eight weeks after the actual delivery date. This determination is based on the attending physician's certification and covers the period during pregnancy or after childbirth when a member of the research staff, specialist, or librarian is physically unable to perform their regular duties. Like any other disability, however, a full 26 weeks of disability absence is available when there are medical complications for the academic professional during the pregnancy or following childbirth. During a temporary disability absence, benefits remain in effect. For details of this policy, please visit the Office of Human Resources website at https://hr.princeton.edu/thrive/health/maternity.
Current policy does not provide a paid leave of absence for a male faculty or staff member during the period of his spouse's pregnancy or following childbirth. However, the University is willing to work with families in developing flexible work hours during the periods of delivery and illness, if any. In addition, faculty and staff members may be eligible to apply to the State of New Jersey for partial pay through NJ Family Leave Insurance for a maximum of six weeks during the first year after the baby's birth. For more information, contact the Office of Human Resources at (609) 258-3300.
HEALTH CARE PLAN BENEFITS
Coverage for Pregnancy and Childbirth
Each health care plan offered through Princeton University provides coverage for pregnancy and childbirth. Participants should refer to their plan booklets for specifics on the level and type of coverage that is provided under each plan.
Coverage for the Child
The faculty or staff member must contact the Human Resources Service Center, 4 New South Building, (609) 258-3300, within 90 days following the child's birth to enroll the child in the faculty member or employee's health care plan. If the child is not enrolled during the first 90 days, no health care plan coverage will be available until the following January 1. In order to initiate coverage on January 1, the faculty member will need to enroll the child during the annual Open Enrollment Period (October-November).
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COVERAGE
If you have any questions about the policies covered here, please contact Alice Seneres in the Office of the Dean of the Faculty. For questions about benefits covered here, you should call the Office of Human Resources at (609) 258-3300.