I’m currently 37 weeks pregnant. I work full time as a service technician at Woody Anderson Ford. I started my job a couple of months before becoming pregnant. So, I am not eligible for paid maternity leave. Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve continued to work and have been paying for short-term disability insurance through my employer with colonial life. I was told pregnancy leave would be covered. Unfortunately, I just found out that my policy won’t cover me because it is considered a “pre existing condition”, since it didn’t go into effect until a month after I signed up. On top of this, my car recently needed urgent repairs. I was able to get it drivable, but it’s only halfway fixed. The costs have left me with no savings. My C-section was originally scheduled for May 5th. It has now been moved up to this coming Saturday, April 25 2026. This leaves me with just one week of pay to last for 8 weeks of leave for my soon to be three children, and myself. I don’t currently receive any government assistance. The policy for colonial life added to my gross income, and taken out. Even though it was money I did not receive they counted it as my monthly income. I’ve been denied any assistance I used to receive. I know this is a hole I have dug myself. I truly thought I had a plan in place. My job is secure. However, without income for 8 weeks I could lose everything. My main concerns are caring for my children, providing food, baby supplies, keeping up with transportation payments, and covering household bills. Anything helps, and I am so grateful for anyone willing to share, donate, or even just send kind words of encouragement. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.

Side note: I had actually wrote a very well put-together story. The bot butchered it. I changed it back multiple times. I edited what mess the bot made as best as I could. Thank you!