University of Illinois System

Pregnancy Leave

Pregnancy leave may be granted for the purpose of pregnancy unless there is sufficient justification to deny the request, and is based upon disability or incompatibility between an employee's pregnant state and the regularly required duties of her position.

Leave taken for reasons of pregnancy qualifies as family and medical leave and shall be applied toward the 12-week entitlement period for eligible employees.

Select one of the following links or scroll down for specific information:

Eligibility
Approval
Length of Leave
Benefits Continuation
Compensation
Returning from Leave
Policies


Eligibility

Civil Service employees in a trainee, apprentice, learner, or status appointment and employees in a provisional appointment intended to be permanent are eligible for pregnancy leave.

Eligibility will also be based on disability or incompatibility between an employee's pregnant state and the regularly required duties of her position.


Approval

Pregnant employees who are advised by their physicians to begin pregnancy leave shall provide their supervisors with their physician's medical advice regarding leave commencement. Supervisors may require employees to provide a medical opinion from their physician to verify the necessity and probable duration of the leave.

Employees may also be requested by their supervisor to visit a designated health care provider for further medical consultation.

Leave of Absence Information and Form
Leave of Absence Information (PDF)
Leave of Absence Information (Rich Text Format)
Leave of Absence Worksheet (PDF form to be ​completed online before printing​. If the PDF fails to load, then download and complete the form before printing.)


Length of Leave

Pregnancy leave shall continue until the employee, on the basis of acceptable medical opinion, is able to return to work.


Benefits Continuation

Employees using accrued sick and vacation leave benefits to remain in pay status, or employees eligible for family and medical leave (FML), will continue to receive State and University benefits as if they were continuously working.

Employees not eligible for FML or who have exhausted accumulated leave and are in non-pay status, are eligible to participate in the State benefits; however, are not eligible for the State-paid contribution. Participation is entirely at the employee's expense. Employees may also elect to become a dependent of another employee (spouse or parent). Employees choosing this option must waive all coverage (including health, dental, and life) as an employee.


Compensation

Pregnancy leave will be charged to accumulated sick leave for the employee to remain in pay status. If this is insufficient, vacation leave or leave without pay may be granted in accordance with Policy and Rules 10.01, 11.02, 11.06, and 11.07.


Returning from Leave

Employees shall obtain a statement from their physician as soon as is practicable, approving her return to work. This approval shall be presented to the employing unit, prior to her return to work. The employee may be requested to undergo medical consultation by a designed health care provider.


Policies

Policy and Rules for Civil Service Staff
Pregnancy Leave

Additional Resources