Short Term Disability Options?

**flyfishgirl** · 03-29-2011, 06:39 AM

I have run out of sick days at work and want to try getting Short Term Disability. My problem is that I only have bad flare days every so often, and I can usually return to work in the next day or two, so I'm not missing a week at a time or anything like that. Has anyone found that their employer can provide disability payments for occasional days off, rather than a consecutive string of days? Did you have to jump through hoops, like getting doctor's letters? Any input or experiences you have had would be very helpful. Thanks!

**123456** · 03-29-2011, 07:58 AM

Yes, check and see if your company has FMLA. You can take what is called intermittent leave which allows you to take days off when flaring or needing to go to therapy or doctor appointments. Your doctor will have to fill out some forms and send them in. You'll likely have to make sure they get the forms and then remind them to fax them to your provider ON TIME. I was on this for a year and it was great knowing that I didn't have to worry about being fired because I had physical therapy 2 times a week. I'm not on it anymore b/c I only need PT about 2 times a month now and I schedule it for every other Monday.

**sailawaygrl** · 03-29-2011, 06:32 PM

I was going to suggest intermittent FMLA as well. You can call in at the last minute and you are protected. There are rules about lenghty time out of work and whether or not they have to hold your specific position or just give you another one of equal pay. If you just need time off here and there it is great.

Good luck,
Sandra

**Briza** · 03-30-2011, 06:00 AM

Intermittent FMLA is a good option to protect your job. However, if you are out of sick leave and vacation time you will have to take it as leave without pay. I'm not aware of disability payments being made for days here and there?

**Beep123** · 03-23-2013, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by flyfishgirl

I have run out of sick days at work and want to try getting Short Term Disability. My problem is that I only have bad flare days every so often, and I can usually return to work in the next day or two, so I'm not missing a week at a time or anything like that. Has anyone found that their employer can provide disability payments for occasional days off, rather than a consecutive string of days? Did you have to jump through hoops, like getting doctor's letters? Any input or experiences you have had would be very helpful. Thanks!

I just applied for FMLA and am almost done using my sick days. Basically, my job is letting me use my vacation days as a sick day. Once I run out of those too, I can still miss work, but I won't get paid for those days. Basically the FMLA is just a security thing that says I won't lose my job or insurance because I'm missing work.

As far as short term disability, they wouldn't let me take intermittent days since I would never need to be out more than like 2-3 days at once. However, lets say I had an in/outpatient procedure or emergency then I can use my short term disability on that (even if i only miss one day) and I get paid 60% of my salary for each day I miss. If its not an emergency, I need to make the claim at least 30 or so days in advance.

I have blue cross blue shield so that's what I've been told.
They gave my doctor a very thorough packet thing to fill out.

Hope this helps!!

***ICNDonna*** · 03-23-2013, 07:42 AM

This is an old thread, but the information is correct --- family leave is not usually paid leave. Sometimes you can transfer vacation time for sickness, however.

Donna

**bchboy328** · 04-15-2013, 10:04 AM

I am out of sick time myself, and currently use my vacation leave when needed as my flares last usually only a few days as well. I have not discussed any other options besides being put into another division within my department for much considerable less pay. I will have to look into FMLA intermittent leave.