New, paid Maternal Leave benefit available effective July 1, 2026

As a State of Georgia employer, the University System of Georgia is pleased to announce the availability of a new paid Maternal Birth Leave benefit for eligible employees, effective July 1, 2026.

Paid Maternal Birth Leave provides eligible employees who give birth to a child with three weeks (up to 120 hours) of paid leave to recuperate immediately following childbirth. This leave is provided in accordance with Georgia law and is in addition to the existing paid Parental Leave benefit.

Benefit Highlights

1. Eligible employees who give birth to a child are entitled to three weeks (up to 120 hours) of paid Maternal Birth Leave.
2. Maternal Birth Leave must be taken during the three-week period immediately following the birth.
3. Maternal Birth Leave must be taken before any available Paid Parental Leave.
4. The benefit applies to the birth of one or more children in a single or multiple pregnancy.
5. If eligible, Maternal Birth Leave runs concurrently with any Family Medical Leave Act leave that may be available.  

Eligibility Requirements

An employee may be eligible for Paid Maternal Birth Leave if they give birth to one or more children in a single or multiple pregnancy and at the time of the birth:  

1. Is a full-time (30 hours or more) benefits-eligible employee with the institution, and
2. Has completed at least six continuous months of employment with the institution or, if paid on an hourly basis as a part-time employee, has worked at least 700 hours during the six months immediately preceding the date of the birth. 

Employees who believe they may qualify for Paid Maternal Birth Leave based on a qualifying life event date on or after July 1, 2026, should contact Benefits to discuss eligibility, leave coordination and next steps.