Re: Question about short term disability.

[Guest guest]

If you're not worried about losing your job, why NOT take the time

off? Obviously, it may cost you money, but after taxes and expenses,

maybe not as much as you think. I have taken short-term disability

before, although not for RA, and it wasn't a big deal -- my doctor

just filled out a form and it was approved. Since there's a lot less

money at stake than long-term disability, I think people have fewer

problems.

--- In , " Holly " <hollybgroovin2003@...>

wrote:

>

> My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had wanted to

> take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my

fingers,

> and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just wondering if

> abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is

supprised

> that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently

because

> of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not

concerned

> of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term disbility.

> What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

If you're not worried about losing your job, why NOT take the time

off? Obviously, it may cost you money, but after taxes and expenses,

maybe not as much as you think. I have taken short-term disability

before, although not for RA, and it wasn't a big deal -- my doctor

just filled out a form and it was approved. Since there's a lot less

money at stake than long-term disability, I think people have fewer

problems.

--- In , " Holly " <hollybgroovin2003@...>

wrote:

>

> My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had wanted to

> take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my

fingers,

> and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just wondering if

> abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is

supprised

> that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently

because

> of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not

concerned

> of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term disbility.

> What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

The summer I was dx with RA, I had to take short term disability due to kidney

problems from vioxx. I was off work for nine weeks. I worked for a branch

office of a large company. I had to use what vacation and sick pay I had coming

first, Then I went on disability, There was paperwork the doctor had to fill out

and had to be handed into my company. Then every time I saw the doctor (weekly

in my case) the doctor had to fill out a form ( like the do when you are sick

and need a doctors excuse) saying I could not work until my next appt. My

company also required my doctors phone number in case they had questions. After

the starting paperwork was filled out , the rest was done by fax between my

doctor and my company.

Basically my doctor left it up to me as to when I felt well enough to return

to work.

I collected 80 percent of my average weekly check while I was ill, insurance

and normal deduction were still taking out of mt check in WI

Holly <hollybgroovin2003@...> wrote:

My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had wanted to

take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my fingers,

and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just wondering if

abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is supprised

that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently because

of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not concerned

of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term disbility.

What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

[Guest guest]

Thanks! I think I really need the time off! Holly

eemalawyer <eemalawyer@...> wrote: If you're not worried about losing

your job, why NOT take the time

off? Obviously, it may cost you money, but after taxes and expenses,

maybe not as much as you think. I have taken short-term disability

before, although not for RA, and it wasn't a big deal -- my doctor

just filled out a form and it was approved. Since there's a lot less

money at stake than long-term disability, I think people have fewer

problems.

>

> My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had wanted to

> take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my

fingers,

> and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just wondering if

> abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is

supprised

> that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently

because

> of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not

concerned

> of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term disbility.

> What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

First off you are entitled to 12 weeks of FMLA (Family medical leave

act)per rolling calendar year. You do not have to use it all at one

time it can be in days or even in hours base on your need. This is a

federal law. This protects your job for 12 weeks. It can be used if

you are sick or to care for a sick family member.

Next thing is STD will vary depending on who administers the policy. I

had Unum provident for STD and LTD(am currently on LTD). First demand

a copy of the policies...get all the facts and rules. Most of these

companies are just waiting for you to mess up so they can either cut

you off or fire you. Keep copies of all corrospondance with your boss

as well as your company. There is also intermittent FMLA As well as

STD..like if you need to work a 3 day work week due to medication

schedule.

Most companies require that if you are going to be off from 3-7

consecative days of work that you file for STD to begin with. In my

case my STD paid me 100% for the first 30 days and covered all my

benefits(the company paid portion). It was suppose to go to 60% after

30 days and cover all medical benefits until I reached 6 months...but

somehow they made a mess and I got 100% of my base pay for a total of 6

months will my benefits paid.

I also had to use all my sick leave and all but 3 days of vacation.

The paperwork was easy it required updating every 2-4 weeks...just a

form my doc filled out and faxed to them to continue my benefits.

AFter the six months I went to LTD. The rules change and I required WAY

more medical documentation and reporting every 3-6 months. After a

year or more I was deemed permenently disabled. I tried to return to

work and requested a less streneous job. I was denied...my old

employer prefers to fire over retrain or move people. I use to work

for Dell computer corporation. When I tried there return to work with

their HR counselor every job I was interested in she would run and tell

them I was a loser so not to even bother...so there was no way I could

find another job within the company. The supervisors nurse and

everyone at work seem to be on the rampage to make my life hell during

the time I was trying to return to work.

So when I reached the 18 month mark my job sent me a letter stating

that if I did not return to full duty I was fired by a certain date. My

doc was pissed at the way they were treating me. If he did not put

detials down to very exacts they would try to make me do things that I

could not do or would injure me. So my doc turned into a real hard

arse!! That made Dell even angrier. So I took the termination with

the option to be rehired if I meet there standards. Leave Dell was

actually a good thing for my health...the immediate huge loss of that

stresser made such a big difference. I did however get to draw all my

unemployment.

Again, just learn all the rules...becareful who you talk to..do not

share and medical info or facts about your condition...because in the

end you employer WILL use it against you. Learn your rights under ADA

as well as FMLA and labor laws that apply in your state.

In the end I learned I could have sued to get my job back...but I

really was really to leave them as they were ready to get rid of me.

Good luck,

Toni

--- In , " Holly " <hollybgroovin2003@...>

wrote:

>

> My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had wanted to

> take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my fingers,

> and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just wondering if

> abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is supprised

> that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently because

> of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not concerned

> of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term disbility.

> What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

As a general rule short term disability is taxed like your normal

pay. Long term disability can vary depending on who is paying for

it. In my case I paid for my LTD and so its tax free. Its like

getting an insurance payment every month.

Toni

> >

> > My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had

wanted to

> > take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my

> fingers,

> > and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just

wondering if

> > abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is

> supprised

> > that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently

> because

> > of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not

> concerned

> > of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term

disbility.

> > What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much Toni. I know I have a lot to think about. I know I shouldn't

worry about my pay because it's nothing in comparison to my health. I do

however, but I know I will get paid at least something with my std. Thanks for

the input, it helped! Best wishes, Holly

Ms radar <aclavern33@...> wrote: First off you are entitled to 12 weeks

of FMLA (Family medical leave

act)per rolling calendar year. You do not have to use it all at one

time it can be in days or even in hours base on your need. This is a

federal law. This protects your job for 12 weeks. It can be used if

you are sick or to care for a sick family member.

Next thing is STD will vary depending on who administers the policy. I

had Unum provident for STD and LTD(am currently on LTD). First demand

a copy of the policies...get all the facts and rules. Most of these

companies are just waiting for you to mess up so they can either cut

you off or fire you. Keep copies of all corrospondance with your boss

as well as your company. There is also intermittent FMLA As well as

STD..like if you need to work a 3 day work week due to medication

schedule.

Most companies require that if you are going to be off from 3-7

consecative days of work that you file for STD to begin with. In my

case my STD paid me 100% for the first 30 days and covered all my

benefits(the company paid portion). It was suppose to go to 60% after

30 days and cover all medical benefits until I reached 6 months...but

somehow they made a mess and I got 100% of my base pay for a total of 6

months will my benefits paid.

I also had to use all my sick leave and all but 3 days of vacation.

The paperwork was easy it required updating every 2-4 weeks...just a

form my doc filled out and faxed to them to continue my benefits.

AFter the six months I went to LTD. The rules change and I required WAY

more medical documentation and reporting every 3-6 months. After a

year or more I was deemed permenently disabled. I tried to return to

work and requested a less streneous job. I was denied...my old

employer prefers to fire over retrain or move people. I use to work

for Dell computer corporation. When I tried there return to work with

their HR counselor every job I was interested in she would run and tell

them I was a loser so not to even bother...so there was no way I could

find another job within the company. The supervisors nurse and

everyone at work seem to be on the rampage to make my life hell during

the time I was trying to return to work.

So when I reached the 18 month mark my job sent me a letter stating

that if I did not return to full duty I was fired by a certain date. My

doc was pissed at the way they were treating me. If he did not put

detials down to very exacts they would try to make me do things that I

could not do or would injure me. So my doc turned into a real hard

arse!! That made Dell even angrier. So I took the termination with

the option to be rehired if I meet there standards. Leave Dell was

actually a good thing for my health...the immediate huge loss of that

stresser made such a big difference. I did however get to draw all my

unemployment.

Again, just learn all the rules...becareful who you talk to..do not

share and medical info or facts about your condition...because in the

end you employer WILL use it against you. Learn your rights under ADA

as well as FMLA and labor laws that apply in your state.

In the end I learned I could have sued to get my job back...but I

really was really to leave them as they were ready to get rid of me.

Good luck,

Toni

>

> My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had wanted to

> take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my fingers,

> and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just wondering if

> abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is supprised

> that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently because

> of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not concerned

> of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term disbility.

> What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

The company I worked for had an easy way to settle disability problems, they

just laid the 'offender' off. I was not allowed to park near the ramp

because it was reserved for snack/drink delivery. I also had to use the back

stairs that were too steep to begin with. I was also given an office at the

far end of the hall. My equal in the other division couldn't answer the

phone because his hearing was worse, so he was given disability retirement.

To this day, this company won't admit I have/had a disability. This was in

the early days of the ADA and nobody knew enough about it except the large

businesses, and they took advantage of it.

If you have a shot at any disability help, take it!

Dennis

Re: [ ] Question about short term disability.

> The summer I was dx with RA, I had to take short term disability due to

> kidney problems from vioxx. I was off work for nine weeks. I worked for a

> branch office of a large company. I had to use what vacation and sick pay

> I had coming first, Then I went on disability, There was paperwork the

> doctor had to fill out and had to be handed into my company. Then every

> time I saw the doctor (weekly in my case) the doctor had to fill out a

> form ( like the do when you are sick and need a doctors excuse) saying I

> could not work until my next appt. My company also required my doctors

> phone number in case they had questions. After the starting paperwork

> was filled out , the rest was done by fax between my doctor and my

> company.

> Basically my doctor left it up to me as to when I felt well enough to

> return to work.

> I collected 80 percent of my average weekly check while I was ill,

> insurance and normal deduction were still taking out of mt check in

> WI

> Holly <hollybgroovin2003@...> wrote:

> My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had wanted to

> take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my fingers,

> and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just wondering if

> abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is supprised

> that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently because

> of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not concerned

> of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term disbility.

> What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

[Guest guest]

I know that here in Colorado, you must have worked at your job for at least 1000

hours and have been employed for at least one year before you are eligible for

FMLA. This is not good for part-time employees!!

Forsythe Curran

FreecycleT Owner/Moderator

Castle_Rock_CO_FreeCycle/

Changing The World One Gift At A Time -

Find A Freecycle Group In Your Area

www.Freecycle.org

Forsythe Curran

-Private Investigator-

P.O. Box 5283

Englewood, CO 80155-5283

DJ_Curran@...

[ ] Re: Question about short term disability.

First off you are entitled to 12 weeks of FMLA (Family medical leave

act)per rolling calendar year. You do not have to use it all at one

time it can be in days or even in hours base on your need. This is a

federal law. This protects your job for 12 weeks. It can be used if

you are sick or to care for a sick family member.

Next thing is STD will vary depending on who administers the policy. I

had Unum provident for STD and LTD(am currently on LTD). First demand

a copy of the policies...get all the facts and rules. Most of these

companies are just waiting for you to mess up so they can either cut

you off or fire you. Keep copies of all corrospondance with your boss

as well as your company. There is also intermittent FMLA As well as

STD..like if you need to work a 3 day work week due to medication

schedule.

Most companies require that if you are going to be off from 3-7

consecative days of work that you file for STD to begin with. In my

case my STD paid me 100% for the first 30 days and covered all my

benefits(the company paid portion). It was suppose to go to 60% after

30 days and cover all medical benefits until I reached 6 months...but

somehow they made a mess and I got 100% of my base pay for a total of 6

months will my benefits paid.

I also had to use all my sick leave and all but 3 days of vacation.

The paperwork was easy it required updating every 2-4 weeks...just a

form my doc filled out and faxed to them to continue my benefits.

AFter the six months I went to LTD. The rules change and I required WAY

more medical documentation and reporting every 3-6 months. After a

year or more I was deemed permenently disabled. I tried to return to

work and requested a less streneous job. I was denied...my old

employer prefers to fire over retrain or move people. I use to work

for Dell computer corporation. When I tried there return to work with

their HR counselor every job I was interested in she would run and tell

them I was a loser so not to even bother...so there was no way I could

find another job within the company. The supervisors nurse and

everyone at work seem to be on the rampage to make my life hell during

the time I was trying to return to work.

So when I reached the 18 month mark my job sent me a letter stating

that if I did not return to full duty I was fired by a certain date. My

doc was pissed at the way they were treating me. If he did not put

detials down to very exacts they would try to make me do things that I

could not do or would injure me. So my doc turned into a real hard

arse!! That made Dell even angrier. So I took the termination with

the option to be rehired if I meet there standards. Leave Dell was

actually a good thing for my health...the immediate huge loss of that

stresser made such a big difference. I did however get to draw all my

unemployment.

Again, just learn all the rules...becareful who you talk to..do not

share and medical info or facts about your condition...because in the

end you employer WILL use it against you. Learn your rights under ADA

as well as FMLA and labor laws that apply in your state.

In the end I learned I could have sued to get my job back...but I

really was really to leave them as they were ready to get rid of me.

Good luck,

Toni

>

> My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had wanted to

> take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my fingers,

> and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just wondering if

> abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is supprised

> that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently because

> of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not concerned

> of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term disbility.

> What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

Here in Texas it is 1250 hours in the previous 12 calender months.

This is also a rolling calendar. So if you use all of your FMLA once

you end you start building hours again and can not take FMLA until

you have reached 1250. i hope that makes sense.

Toni

> >

> > My branch manager has given me a couple of options. I had

wanted to

> > take some time off work being as I can hardly walk or move my

fingers,

> > and I am starting methotrexate soon at 20 mg. I am just

wondering if

> > abyone else had to take short term disability. My rheumy is

supprised

> > that I have still been working. I passed out at work recently

because

> > of the pain, and the fatigue is almost unbearable. I am not

concerned

> > of losing my job, but am questionable of the short term

disbility.

> > What all does it involve, and is it really worth it? Thanks

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>