Planning for maternity leave is one of the most important financial tasks an expectant parent can do. Between employer policy, state benefits, FMLA, and short-term disability, the patchwork of maternity pay is confusing. Our Maternity Leave Pay Calculator estimates your total income during leave so you can plan your finances before baby arrives.
Maternity Leave Pay Calculator
Maternity Leave Pay Calculator
Understanding Maternity Leave Pay in the US
The US is one of the few developed nations without mandated paid maternity leave at the federal level. Here’s what actually exists:
- FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act): Guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave for eligible employees at companies with 50+ employees. Does NOT require pay.
- Employer paid leave: Many employers offer 6–16 weeks of partial or full pay as a benefit. Check your employee handbook.
- Short-term disability (STD): If you have employer-sponsored STD insurance, it typically pays 60–80% of salary for 6–8 weeks postpartum (the “medical recovery” period).
- State paid family leave: California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Oregon, Colorado, and DC have mandatory paid family leave programs.
State Paid Family Leave Programs (2026)
| State | Weeks Available | Pay Rate | Max Weekly Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 8 weeks | 60–70% | ~$1,620 |
| New York | 12 weeks | 67% | ~$1,177 |
| New Jersey | 12 weeks | 85% | ~$1,025 |
| Washington | 12 weeks | 90% | ~$1,456 |
| Massachusetts | 12 weeks | 80% | ~$1,149 |
| Colorado | 12 weeks | 90% | ~$1,100 |
Tips to Maximize Your Maternity Leave Pay
- File for SDI early: Short-term disability claims must often be filed before delivery or within days after birth
- Stack benefits: Many states allow you to combine employer pay + SDI + state PFL simultaneously or consecutively
- Negotiate with your employer: Companies without a formal policy may offer informal accommodations, especially for valued employees
- Use accrued PTO: Save vacation days before your due date to cover unpaid gaps
- Build a “maternity leave fund”: Start saving 3–6 months before your due date — even $200/month adds $600–$1,200 as a buffer
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FMLA require paid leave?
No. FMLA only guarantees unpaid, job-protected leave for 12 weeks. Pay during FMLA comes from employer policies, short-term disability insurance, or state paid family leave programs — not FMLA itself.
Can my partner take maternity/paternity leave?
Yes. FMLA applies to both parents. Many state PFL programs also cover non-birthing partners. Some employers offer equal parental leave regardless of gender — check your employee benefits.
Is maternity leave pay taxable?
Generally yes. Employer-paid maternity leave is taxed as regular income. State PFL benefits are typically taxable at the federal level (though not always at the state level). SDI benefits may or may not be taxable depending on who paid the premiums.