No short term disability....what will happen?

[wendya2J]

HI!

3 weeks ago I sustained a concussion. I have now exhausted all of my sick time, and am using my vacation time to be out since I am not yet cleared by the Dr to go back. What happens when I use up all my vacation time? I have long term disability, but how long till that would kick in?

[rmschaver]

Hard to say. Sounds like a good question for the HR dept. For myself I believe it is at least a two week process. You might also ask if it will require a doctors recommendation or letter to qualify. Concussion can be beast to cope with and I am sorry you are experiencing these challenges.

[Jo*mar]

Ask HR or office executive about FMLA too - although it may be a no pay time off, but you'd have the time off without job loss.

[berkeleybrain]

I suffer from post concussion syndrome and am in month 7.

If you have a doctor's opinion that you should not return to work, you can file for short term disability with your state. There is a form to fill out.

These short term benefits for California are only $125 per week, but the filing protects your employment and health benefits.

FMLA will cover 12 weeks (again mostly no wages) but it protects you from being fired unfairly.

If your disability goes beyond 6 months, you can then file for long-term disability.

My employer did not have short term disability, so after my vacation/sick leave, from month 2-6, there was no inflow of income. Next time I'll buy short term disability insurance!