Parental Leave at Hackensack Meridian Health is covered by two categories: Maternity Leave and Baby Bonding. Eligibility for benefits during the leave, length of leave, and other conditions depend upon the circumstances of the leave and other qualifying factors. Please see our Leaves of Absence policy on PolicyStat for a full list of leaves available and corresponding eligibility requirements.
Maternity Leave
Hackensack Meridian Health team members are eligible to take leave for their own health condition under federal and state law. In most cases, team members must have completed at least one year of service with Hackensack Meridian Health, generally worked at least 1,250 hours during the preceding 12-month period, and declared intent to return to work after the leave. Team members are eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12- to 24-month period, depending on the interaction between state and federal law and the team member’s individual circumstances.
IMPORTANT: Leaves of absence related to maternity leave are covered under two separate plans: Personal Disability and Baby Bonding Time. Technically, “maternity leave” doesn’t exist as a policy. By combining a Personal Disability leave with Baby Bonding Time, team members can create their own “maternity leave.” Personal Disability leave is paid by The Hartford and HMH (depending on eligibility and available time), while Baby Bonding Time follows the same process as a Family Member Disability and is paid by NJFLI and HMH (depending on eligibility and available time). Please review all steps closely to make sure you’re getting the coverage you need.
Baby Bonding Time
Hackensack Meridian Health team members are eligible to take leave to care for a family member under federal and state law. Baby Bonding Time includes time for a team member to bond with a newborn, newly adopted or newly placed foster child (e.g., for the purposes of “maternity leave” or “paternity leave”). In most cases, team members must have completed at least one year of service with Hackensack Meridian Health, worked at least 1,000 hours during the preceding 12-month period, and declared intent to return to work after the leave. Team members are eligible for up to 12 weeks of continuous unpaid leave during a 12- to 24-month period, depending on the interaction between state and federal law and the team member’s individual circumstances.
Quick Links
- I need to request a leave of absence related to maternity. How do I get started?
- I am on a personal disability leave related to maternity. How will I be paid?
- I need to request a leave of absence for baby bonding time. How do I get started?
- I am on an approved leave for baby bonding time. How will I be paid?
- I am returning to work following a personal disability leave related to maternity and baby bonding time. What do I need to do?