Laid Off While Pregnant With Twins… And Still Got $20K in Paid Parental Leave
When Megan was laid off from her dream job at seven months pregnant with twins, she assumed paid parental leave benefits were completely off the table. She believed that once her paycheck stopped, her eligibility stopped too. With no income and the birth or placement involved only weeks away, applying for benefits felt pointless, so she didn’t.
Months later, scrolling Instagram while holding two newborns in her arms, she saw one of our posts explaining that even if you’re laid off, you might still qualify for paid leave. She booked a call.
We walked Megan through the entire process, even when her initial claim was denied, just as we expected. With our guidance, she filed an appeal and stuck with it.
A few weeks later, she received over $20,000 in paid parental leave benefits she never thought she’d see.
“This is the best money I’ve ever spent,” she told us. And we hear that a lot.
Megan’s story is inspiring, but it’s also a powerful reminder that eligibility requirements for leave can be complex, and assumptions often cause parents to miss out on money they’re entitled to.
Understanding Paid Parental Leave in the United States
In the United States, there is no single national paid parental leave program. Instead, your eligibility depends on a combination of factors, such as:
Whether your state offers paid family leave benefits
Your recent work history and earnings
The reason for your leave (for example, the period following the birth of a child, the placement of a child for adoption or foster care, or caring for a family member with a serious health condition)
While the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) often referred to as the Medical Leave Act FMLA, provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave in a 12-month period, that time is generally unpaid (unpaid FMLA leave). However, some states have programs that replace a portion of your wages during this time, essentially turning it into paid time off.
Many parents, like Megan, don’t realize that these programs can sometimes apply even if you’re no longer actively working, specially when the birth or placement involved happened during your covered employment period.
What “Granted in Connection” Means
One important phrase in parental leave law is “granted in connection.” This means your paid or unpaid leave is connected to a qualifying event, such as the date of the birth of your child or the placement of a child for adoption or foster care.
For example, in many state programs, paid parental leave can still be available if your leave is granted in connection with a qualifying event that happened while you met the state’s eligibility requirements, even if your work obligation ended before your leave officially began.
This was the key to Megan’s success. Even though she was no longer employed when she gave birth, the qualifying event, the pregnancy and the period following the birth- was tied to her previous employment and contributions to her state’s paid family leave program.
Why Denials Happen (and Why You Shouldn’t Give Up)
When Megan first applied for paid parental leave, her claim was denied. This is common, especially when the situation involves a layoff or a gap between your last day of work and the date of the birth.
Denials often happen because:
The claims processor misinterprets the timing of your birth or placement involved
Documentation is incomplete or unclear
The reviewer assumes benefits end with your employment
However, many denials can be overturned during an appeal, especially with proper documentation and knowledge of the rules. That’s why Megan’s leave to cover the period following the birth was eventually approved.
Paid Parental Leave Isn’t Just for Birth
While Megan’s story is about twins, paid parental leave also applies to:
The placement of a child for adoption or foster care
Caring for a family member with a serious medical condition (in certain state programs)
A qualifying work obligation that requires time off to bond with a new child
In each of these cases, the eligibility requirements will depend on your state’s laws and whether your leave is connected to a qualifying event within the designated 12-month period.
How to Avoid Leaving Money on the Table
If you’re expecting, adopting, or fostering, here are steps to make sure you’re getting every dollar you’re entitled to:
Don’t Assume You’re Ineligible
Even if you’ve been laid off, quit, or changed jobs, your benefits may still apply if your qualifying event falls within the right timeline.Know the Rules in Your State
Each state’s program has different rules about the 12 weeks of paid leave, wage replacement rates, and how long after your date of the birth or placement you can apply.Document Everything
Keep records of your employment, earnings, and the date of your birth or placement. Documentation can make or break your case during an appeal.Appeal If Necessary
If your claim for paid parental leave is denied, request the reason in writing. Many denials are reversible with additional documentation and expert guidance.
Why Expert Guidance Matters
Parental leave laws are full of nuances that aren’t always obvious. Megan’s win was possible because she had help navigating the exact timelines and state rules that applied to her situation.
Our Parental Leave Bundles are designed to take the guesswork out of the process. We’ll:
Confirm your eligibility requirements
Guide you through the application
Prepare you for a possible denial so you’re ready to appeal
Ensure your leave is granted in connection with your qualifying event, maximizing your benefits
A single call can be the difference between missing out entirely or securing thousands in benefits, just like Megan did. Find your state here under “Get Parental Leave Support.”
Ready to See What You Qualify For?
If you’re pregnant, adopting, fostering, or caring for a family member, don’t wait until after the date of the birth or placement to figure out your benefits.
Book a consultation or grab our free Ultimate Parental Leave Guide to learn exactly how to claim paid parental leave and get every dollar you’re entitled to.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let’s make sure you’re getting everything you deserve, together.
