When I was laid off at seven months pregnant with twins, I assumed paid parental leave was completely off the table. No paycheck, no benefits — that's what I thought. With no income and my due date only weeks away, applying felt pointless.
So I didn't even try.
Months later, I was sitting there holding two newborns, scrolling Instagram, when I saw a Hello Bundle post explaining that a layoff doesn't automatically disqualify you from paid leave. I had no idea.
I booked a call.
"I had no idea I still might qualify. I kept thinking — once my job ended, everything ended with it. I felt overwhelmed trying to figure it all out on my own."
Hello Bundle walked me through the entire process. When my initial claim was denied, they weren't surprised — they'd seen it before. They helped me file an appeal and told me exactly what to expect.
A few weeks later, I received over $20,000 in paid parental leave benefits I never thought I'd see.
"This is the best money I've ever spent."
My situation isn't unique. Plenty of parents miss out on benefits they're actually entitled to because the rules are complicated and the assumptions are wrong. If you've been laid off, don't count yourself out before you make the call.
Not sure what you qualify for? Let's figure it out together.
Megan's situation isn't rare — but most people in it don't know where to start. If you're pregnant, newly laid off, or just trying to make sense of your leave options, Hello Bundle can help.
