The adoption or birth of a child is a transformative moment in your life. The information provided here will help you comprehend your benefits and leave options as a new parent. The benefits coverage continues while on leave, with regular employee contributions being deducted through payroll.

You have a window of 31 days from the date of birth or placement to update your benefits via the Change Benefits for Regular Employee service request. Your workplace will retain your position for six months if you’re on an approved disability leave. If you’re unable to return to work within that period, your department can initiate recruitment efforts to fill the position. Direct any inquiries about your employment status to your HR Business Partner.

If your doctor determines you unable to work due to the birth of a child, you will qualify for Short-Term Disability. Visit the Applying for Short Term Disability page for details on how to apply and what to expect.

RIT supplement payments begin upon approval of your claim by Prudential. All back payments will be made in the next payroll cycle once Prudential approves the claim. During your approved disability period, RIT can supplement your disability benefits up to 80% of your base pay for up to 26 weeks. If you want to use sick days to supplement these, please contact fmla@rit.edu.

While on leave, you must keep your manager and Prudential updated about your leave status, including any extension dates and expected return-to-work dates. It’s also your responsibility to ensure your doctor completes all required documentation in a timely manner and submits them to Prudential.

RIT provides Adoption Assistance to help cover some costs related to adopting a child. Regular full-time and part-time employees who are scheduled to work 750 or more hours per year are eligible for this benefit. Reimbursement for eligible adoption costs can be requested anytime after the child has been placed in your home, with a cap of $4,000 total paid under this policy to any family during any twelve-month period. Use the Adoption Assistance Program service request to submit your expenses for reimbursements.

When it comes to bonding with a new child, you might be eligible for several types of leave. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offers twelve weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for bonding with a new child. The RIT New Parent Leave and New York State’s Paid Family Leave (NYS PFL) also provide paid and partially paid leaves.

To request a leave, you should call Prudential at 877-908-4778 or 844-778-4255/TTY. Please ensure to promptly communicate all updates about your leave status to your manager and Prudential.