Crappy Maternity leave!

So I researched today about how I get my maternity leave squared away. Turns out, my company doesn't have "sick time" anymore. Used to be you could use all your sick time, then use your PTO to get your full compensation while away with a new baby.
To now get compensated for the allowed (up to) 12 weeks, you have to file with STD, which is only 60% of pay. Use PTO for the first 7 days, then start getting a disability check. Pay your benefits monthly to an outside company so you don't lose your insurance.
I had thought that I could just use my PTO and be done with it, get my 100% pay for 8 weeks. Not bother with the FMLA stuff. Once I found out I had to use STD, I then figured I could use PTO to supplement. Nope, can't do that either. Then I figured I would just cash out ALL of my PTO at the first of the year and just get a big check. Nope, can't do that because they just put a cap on how many hours we can cash out yearly.
So basically, I can;t touch my PTO while I'm on leave! I worked for it, earned it, why can't I use it when I really need it?
Grrr, so stupid and I don't get it.
Sounds like where I used to work...I'm at a great place now!

Quote from WindyHillSounds like where I used to work...I'm at a great place now!

Do you work for HCA?

Where I work, I had a month until I made a year to get paid for maternity leave. I knew I wouldnt make it. Anyway, I saved my PTO and we can use all sick time, so that is what I did. It wasnt much, but it helped. Plus, I had saved up alot of money because I knew the baby was coming. I work in DC.

hca is a horrible employer!

I am pretty sure you must be dealing with company-specific rules, because other organizations definitely don't do the same thing. I'm not shocked though - in today's economy, with an overabundance of nurses, many organizations are really taking advantage. FYI - in my organization, you would be able to draw down on your PTO before tapping into other sources.