Comprehensive Leave Benefits for New Parents
Maternal and Parental Leave
Supporting you during one of life's most important moments with paid leave, job protection, and continued benefits.
Maternity Leave
Leave benefits for birth parents
Duration & Eligibility
Normal Delivery
- •Duration: 5 weeks paid. Up to 89 days unpaid
- •Starts the day of delivery
Cesarean Section
- •Duration: 8 weeks
- •Starts the day of delivery
Paid Leave Options
Maternity leave is a paid leave if you have:
- •Personal illness days in your bank, and/or
- •The wage continuation benefit
Wage Continuation
Steps to Take for Maternity Leave
Required actions before and after delivery
Before and During Leave
- 1.
Notify Employee Health Services (EHS)
Call 215-400-4660 to request a procedure letter that explains step-by-step what you need to do
- 2.
Contact the Health and Welfare Fund
Call (215) 561-2722 and ask to speak with a coordinator who can help you navigate the process
- 3.
Report Your Absence
Follow your school’s/location’s procedure to report your absence AND put the absence on Frontline.
- Use 04 coding when entering your absence
- Enter the entire estimated length of time you expect to be absent
- Important: Payroll will NOT deduct sick days from your bank unless authorized by EHS
After Birth - Adding Your Baby to Coverage
Important: 30-Day Deadline
School District of Philadelphia Benefits Department
- Complete and submit the SDP Medical Application
- Include a copy of the hospital birth record
- Submit within 30 days of birth
PFT Health & Welfare Fund
Phone: (215) 561-2722
Notify to add your baby to Fund benefits (prescription, vision, dental)
Newborn Insurance Coverage
Within 30 days of the birth, a newborn must be separately enrolled in School District Medical Insurance as well as the PFT Health and Welfare Fund.
Within 30 days of the birth:
- Complete the enrollment application and return to the District Benefit office with a copy of the hospital birth record
- Download the SDP Health Application and Attestation
- This application is for all SDP provided insurance plans
- Complete all sections in entirety
- Fax application and a copy of hospital birth record to the Benefits Office at (215) 400-4631 or email to benefits@philasd.org
- Call (215) 561-2722 to confirm receipt of the application and hospital records
- If you are CASA, Non-Represented, SPAP or PFT member and have a spouse or partner enrolled in your medical coverage, you must complete page 2, Letter of Attestation, for any requested change
Within 60 days from date of birth:
- Fax a copy of the child's birth certificate and Social Security Number to (215) 400-4631 or email to benefits@philasd.org
- Call (215) 400-4630 to confirm receipt
Reminder
This must be submitted in addition to the PFT Health & Welfare Fund Notice of Change Form. It is mandatory that you submit the separate and distinct documentation to the respective organizations. The School District application must be submitted within 30 days.
Parental Leave
Leave for all parents
Who Can Take Parental Leave?
- •Birth parents
- •Non-birthing parents
- •Adoptive parents
Parental Leave Details
Duration
5 weeks paid. Up to 89 days unpaid
Timing
Must be taken within the first 12 months of the child's life
For birthing parents: Available after or in place of maternity leave
Benefits During Parental Leave
- •SDP medical coverage continues
- •Health and Welfare Fund benefits continue
- •Your position at your location is maintained
FMLA Coverage
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act protection
What is FMLA?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons.
FMLA Eligibility
You are eligible for FMLA if you have:
- •Been employed by SDP for at least 12 months
- •Worked at least 1,250 hours in the prior 12 months
FMLA for Parental Leave
Duration
Up to 12 weeks of protected leave in a 12-month period
How It Works
- •FMLA runs concurrently with approved school district leave
- •If you have available paid leave (sick days or wage continuation), you will be paid for your time not working
- •If you do not have available leave time, FMLA provides unpaid job-protected leave
- •Provides job protection in case of intermittent absences due to medical leave
FMLA Is Not Required for Maternity Leave
Leave Timeline Summary
Understanding your leave options
Example Timeline for Birth Parent
Maternity Leave (Paid)
6 weeks (normal delivery) or 8 weeks (C-section)
Uses sick days or wage continuation
Parental Leave (Unpaid)
Optional leave available after maternity leave expires
SDP medical and Health and Welfare Fund coverage continues, position maintained
FMLA Protection (Up to 12 weeks)
Federal job protection runs concurrently
Covers both paid and unpaid leave
Example Timeline for Non-Birthing Parent
Parental Leave (Unpaid)
Job-protected leave to care for new child
SDP medical and Health and Welfare Fund coverage continues
FMLA Protection (Up to 12 weeks)
Federal job protection
Ensures return to same or equivalent position
Questions About Parental Leave?
Our member services team is here to help with eligibility, benefits, claims, and everything in between. Reach out — we'll point you to the right person.