Hi I'm wondering how maternity/parental leave goes in other countries besides the US, or even other states besides NJ which is where I'm at.
In NJ the paid leaves are typically
Birthing parents: 4 weeks before the due date (temporary disability pay or TDI), 6-8 weeks after (also TDI). You can get more TDI either before or after if there are complications. Then up to 12 weeks of “bonding pay” which is technically called Family leave insurance (FLI). Both pay at 85% up to a maximum amount.
Non-birthing partners/parents: You can get up to 12 weeks of bonding pay (FLI) after the birth or adoption of a child.
What I don't understand about these programs is the fact that you cannot apply until AFTER you stop working. Only once you stop working, are you able to start the application process and then wait for your doctor to submit paperwork. It could take weeks to be deemed “eligible,” and then more weeks, even months for people to actually get the money.
I don't get why people cannot apply before they stop working? Usually you know very far in advance the due date or adoption date. I'm NOT saying to get paid before you stop working, but there could be a system where you apply ahead of time and get the approval. Then when you stop working go back online and say you stopped working. This way when you stop working, you already know everything is in order and you will definitely get paid. It would also speed up the process of getting paid, since the approval is already in place and the only thing to do is release the funds.
I am wondering how it is done in other countries? Is it similar that you cannot apply until you stop working or can you apply ahead of time?
A lot of people here in NJ insist the current way of stopping working before even applying makes sense and I can't understand why. Yes, there are eligibility rules and hypothetically you should be able to determine in you are eligible or not. However, there have been cases of people thinking they are eligible for either disability or family leave insurance and they stop working and apply, only to find out a month later they aren't actually eligible for some reason and now they are out a month's pay.
In other countries (or states in US) is it the same system where you have to stop working before applying and you don't know whether you will approved or not and the money can take a long time to get to you?