The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) administers the Temporary Disability Insurance program, which helps replace part of your wages when you are unable to work due to your pregnancy.

When and how to apply

You should apply for these benefits only after you have stopped working and when your doctor certifies that you cannot continue working due to your pregnancy.

The application can be submitted online, by mail, or by fax. Instructions are included on the form, and if you submit it on paper, remember to sign and date it.

If you wish to plan ahead, you can start the online application up to 60 days before your leave begins. To prevent your draft from being deleted, you must complete and confirm all information within the first 14 days and certify your claim within 14 days of your leave starting. If you apply after your leave has begun, you have 30 days from your first day of absence to complete it.

Needed information

When submitting your application, information from you and your doctor is required.

From you:

• Social Security number, contact information, and date of birth.
• Date on which his disability began.
• Information from your doctor within 10 days of the first day you were unable to work.
• Dates of hospitalizations or emergency treatments.
• Dates and contact details of employers in the last 18 months.
• Dates of paid time off or benefits received after your last day of work.

Date you expect to recover and return to work (or the actual return date).

From your doctor:

• Medical certificate confirming the period in which you are unable to work.
  If you complete your part online, you will receive a unique form number that you must give to your doctor so they can submit your certification into the system.

Duration of benefits

Benefits typically cover:

• To 4 weeks before of the estimated delivery date.
• To 6 weeks later of normal delivery or 8 weeks later from a cesarean section.
  If your doctor certifies complications, the benefit period may be extended.

Who is covered

Most New Jersey workers are covered, provided they have contributed to the program through their employment and meet the minimum income requirements.

Exceptions include:

• Federal employees.
• Local government employees (including school districts), where it is optional.
• Workers outside the state.
• Religious organizations.
• Contractors or others who are not formal employees.

If your employer is covered, they are required to make payroll deductions to fund this insurance. If you believe you are covered but the deductions haven't been made, you are still encouraged to apply, as this could be an error. Even if you have recently lost your job, you may be eligible under the Disability During Unemployment section.

To learn more about the coverage available during maternity, visit: https://www.nj.gov/labor/myleavebenefits/worker/maternity/