Unemployed and Pregnant in Michigan [What Are My Options?]
Being unemployed and pregnant can leave you feeling stuck and uncertain about your next step.
Whether you lost your job recently or have to leave work because of your health, we know how scary it can feel. Fortunately, there are resources you can turn to depending on your situation.
In this guide, we’ll walk through adoption financial assistance, unemployment benefits, parental leave and medical leave. If you're in Michigan and wondering how you're going to prepare for what's ahead, you're not alone. Fill out or form or call 1-800-ADOPTION to learn more about your unplanned pregnancy options.
Adoption Assistance for Unemployed and Pregnant Women in Michigan
If you're considering adoption, you may qualify for financial assistance during your pregnancy. This support is provided by the adoptive family you choose through a licensed adoption agency.
Adoption financial assistance in Michigan can help cover:
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Rent or mortgage payments
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Utility bills
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Groceries
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Transportation
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Phone service
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Maternity clothing
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And more
You don’t have to choose between your health and a paycheck. If pregnancy has made it impossible to work, this assistance allows you to focus on your health and future while your agency helps you create an adoption plan.
When you work with American Adoptions, you’ll also receive personalized support, counseling and help choosing a family — all at no cost to you.
Yes. If you're pregnant and unemployed because you were laid off or had your hours reduced, you may qualify for unemployment benefits in Michigan. However, you typically won’t qualify if you voluntarily quit your job or were fired. To be eligible for unemployment, you must: Be actively seeking full-time work Register with Michigan Works! Be physically able and available to work Report your job search activities weekly As of 2025, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $446, and benefits can be collected for up to 26 weeks. It's important to note that pregnancy alone doesn’t automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. However, you may not meet the eligibility criteria if you're pregnant and too tired to work or dealing with medical complications.Is There Unemployment for Pregnant Mothers in Michigan?
Employed, Pregnant and Can't Work: What Can I Claim?
If you still have a job but pregnancy is affecting your ability to work, you may be wondering what types of support or leave you're allowed to use. Whether it’s time off or paid benefits, here are some options to look into:
Private Employer Parental Leave
Some employers in Michigan offer paid parental leave or short-term disability benefits. These can cover pregnancy-related absences, especially if your doctor determines that continuing to work is unsafe.
Check with your HR department about short-term disability coverage, employer-paid parental leave and workplace flexibility options
Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA)
In February 2025, Michigan replaced the Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) with the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). If you're employed in Michigan, you now earn at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. You can use this time for pregnancy-related reasons like prenatal appointments, pregnancy complications or recovery.
The amount of time off you can receive depends on the size of your employer. Those with fewer than 10 employees must provide up to 40 hours of paid sick time per year, while employers with 10 or more employees are required to offer up to 72 hours.
To qualify, you must:
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Work in Michigan
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Begin accruing time as soon as you start your job
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Have been employed for at least 90 days before using your earned time off
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
If your employer doesn’t offer paid leave, you might still qualify for unpaid, job-protected leave under the FMLA. This allows you up to 12 weeks off for pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum recovery.
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
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Work for a company with at least 50 employees
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Work 1,250+ hours in the last 12 months
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Have been employed with your company for at least one year
FMLA is unpaid, but your employer may require you to use any available paid time off or sick leave during this time.
You’re Not Alone — And You Have Options
No matter what brought you to this point, you deserve support and a plan that puts your health first. If you’re considering adoption, we can help you access the financial support and guidance you need to make the best decision for you and your future.
American Adoptions offers:
Call 1-800-ADOPTION now or fill out our form to get free information and compassionate support.
Disclaimer
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