Texas Unemployment And Pregnancy Leave Laws

Texas law provides certain protections for workers who are pregnant or have recently given birth. For example, an employer may not fire or refuse to hire a woman because she is pregnant or has recently given birth. An employer also may not discriminate against a pregnant employee in terms of job duties, pay, or other terms and conditions of employment.

In addition, Texas law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, such as allowing them to sit down or take frequent breaks. And, under the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act, an employer must treat a pregnant employee the same as other employees who are similar in their ability or inability to work.

Can i get unemployment while on maternity leave in texas?

Yes, you may be eligible to collect unemployment benefits while on maternity leave in Texas. To qualify, you must have been employed for at least six months and have worked at least 680 hours during that time. You must also have lost your job through no fault of your own, such as due to a layoff or downsizing. If you quit your job because of a pregnancy-related condition, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.

If you are eligible for unemployment benefits, you will receive a percentage of your average weekly wages, up to a maximum of $65 per week. You will also be required to actively seek employment while you are receiving benefits.

Unemployment benefits in Texas

Are typically paid out for a period of 26 weeks. However, if you are still unemployed after that time, you may be eligible to receive additional benefits through the federal Extended Benefits program.

To apply for unemployment benefits in Texas, you can file online at the Texas Workforce Commission website. You will need to provide information about your former employer, as well as your Social Security number and driver’s license or state ID number. You will also need to have your most recent pay stub handy.

Pregnancy leave in Texas

Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees who work for covered employers are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain qualifying reasons, including the birth of a child. To be eligible, you must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during that time.

In Texas, eligible employees who work for state or local government agencies or public and private colleges and universities are also entitled to take pregnancy leave under the Texas Human Resource Code. This leave can be used for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child, as well as for certain pregnancy-related conditions.

How to qualify for unemployment benefits in Texas

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Texas, you must have been employed for at least six months and have worked at least 680 hours during that time. You must also have lost your job through no fault of your own, such as due to a layoff or downsizing. If you quit your job because of a pregnancy-related condition, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.

If you are eligible for unemployment benefits, you will receive a percentage of your average weekly wages, up to a maximum of $65 per week. You will also be required to actively seek employment while you are receiving benefits.

How to take pregnancy leave in Texas

If you are eligible for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain qualifying reasons, including the birth of a child. To be eligible, you must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during that time.

In Texas, eligible employees who work for state or local government agencies or public and private colleges and universities are also entitled to take pregnancy leave under the Texas Human Resource Code.