CHAT I think I'm about to enter Short Term Disability at my job...

auxman

auxman

Ad eundum quo nemo ante iit...
I have lymphedema in both legs and the swelling is now going above my knees. Anyone have any advice out there as how to proceed? Does STD protect your job if the issue goes away?

I have a $100K+ job as an Emergency Planner at a nuclear power plant. Is this the end of my employment? Scared as shit... don't know if I should proceed with STD, thinking my job could be at risk...

It's a bitch getting old at 58, especially with 4 teenagers (17, 16, 14, 11) still in the house.

I know NOTHING about how STD works so I wanted to throw it out to you all, my friends, for some advice.

Thanks, in advance!

At a minimum... I appreciate the prayers! Thank you.
 
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auxman

auxman

Ad eundum quo nemo ante iit...
Uncharted waters, for sure. I have not searched the forum for info but thought people who have gone through this could provide insight.
 
et2

et2

Has No Life - Lives on TB
What does the doctors say. Chances of recovery? You might be better off going for full disability. I think your wife and kids can collect on a full disability. Would be more than short term but harder to get. Could take a while. Getting a lawyer for full disability is your best bet.

Also it might take a month or more to get that short term disability. It happened to a co-worker this last year

Short term might end up going into full disability? Is short term 6 months? I dont think work has to hold your specific job, just let you return. Also I’m thinking after a period they don’t have to bring you back.
 
Kris Gandillon

Kris Gandillon

The Other Curmudgeon
_______________
STD typically has a limited timeframe. Not sure if it is different for different companies, plans or states but it is 26 weeks at 100% of your pay.

Do you also have LTD? If so, then you can possibly transition to LTD after STD runs out. At my company in my state, the basic LTD plan drops to 50% of your pay. You can kick in a little extra out of your own pocket each paycheck as part of your LTD coverage benefits and bump the percentage to 67% of your normal salary.

For both STD and LTD you have to be under the care of a physician / specialist in handling your condition and following all aspects of the treatment plan they layout for you.

LTD covers you until age 65 if the condition continues. Signing up for SSDI is also a requirement for LTD.

Those are my observations from looking into it for myself.

An advantage I have is that I can and do work from home and have since before Covid.

I plan to retire at the end of 2025 so if I can still make my way 30 feet down the hall to my office I will continue to work and not pull the STD trigger.
 
auxman

auxman

Ad eundum quo nemo ante iit...
Good to know, Kris. I have some investigating to do. I will keep you posted.
 
auxman

auxman

Ad eundum quo nemo ante iit...
moldy said:
Just got a lymphedema pump to use for my face and chest (cancer related). Feels awesome and drops the swelling nicely. Would this be an option for you?
Click to expand...
I have a lymphedema pump for my legs that is marginally effective.
 
1-12020

1-12020

Senior Member
Prayer for sure.
Don't know what state but...
I got jacked up at work, real deal, very taxing job. L3 l4 l5 s1 tears etc.
The worst part is dealing with work comp. Nothing gets done, everything gets denied and appealed.
Get a lawyer.
Short term turned into long term. I'm very very fortunate, blessed really, and got most of my pay while off, due to my profession.
Find your state online and research.
I was forced to retire. I did not want to retire. I had to settle on 50% of my retirement. But way it goes. Many people don't even have that. After 3 years I finally separated myself from the system. I'm free to see whatever doc and do what I think is best. However it's going to cost.
Best advise is to pray about it, and research it.
Strange as it is, I'm thankful where for I'm at. The pain sucks but God is good and it worked out. I'm sure it will work out for you too.
Good luck praying for you.
 
auxman

auxman

Ad eundum quo nemo ante iit...
1-12020 said:
Prayer for sure.
Don't know what state but...
I got jacked up at work, real deal, very taxing job. L3 l4 l5 s1 tears etc.
The worst part is dealing with work comp. Nothing gets done, everything gets denied and appealed.
Get a lawyer.
Short term turned into long term. I'm very very fortunate, blessed really, and got most of my pay while off, due to my profession.
Find your state online and research.
I was forced to retire. I did not want to retire. I had to settle on 50% of my retirement. But way it goes. Many people don't even have that. After 3 years I finally separated myself from the system. I'm free to see whatever doc and do what I think is best. However it's going to cost.
Best advise is to pray about it, and research it.
Strange as it is, I'm thankful where for I'm at. The pain sucks but God is good and it worked out. I'm sure it will work out for you too.
Good luck praying for you.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
Kris Gandillon

Kris Gandillon

The Other Curmudgeon
_______________
et2 said:
What does the doctors say. Chances of recovery? You might be better off going for full disability. I think your wife and kids can collect on a full disability. Would be more than short term but harder to get. Could take a while. Getting a lawyer for full disability is your best bet.

Also it might take a month or more to get that short term disability. It happened to a co-worker this last year

Short term might end up going into full disability? Is short term 6 months? I dont think work has to hold your specific job, just let you return. Also I’m thinking after a period they don’t have to bring you back.
Click to expand...
Not sure what you mean by “going for FULL disability? Are you speaking of SSDI from Social Security? That is entirely different from STD and LTD offered by employers.

At a $100K salary, I don’t think SSDI, even including family members will come close to 100% or even 60% of that salary on a monthly basis but I am no expert on SSDI.

Here is a link to a page discussing the Ins and Outs of SSDI and what qualifies you and disqualifies you.

www.investopedia.com

Maximum Social Security Disability Benefits Overview

The average disability benefit for a recipient of SSDI in 2022 is $1,358 per month, but a beneficiary can receive up to $3,345.
www.investopedia.com www.investopedia.com
 
jward

jward

passin' thru
All I have to offer are my prayers, but, of course, you've had those all along.
..keep your eyes peeled, the Lord will guide you through this, and find a way to use it to bless you while he does...
 
J

John Deere Girl

Veteran Member
Read the paperwork on the STD. Actually, read it several times. Take it to an attorney that specializes in STD and LTD so they can go through it with you. It's best to cover all your bases.

Also, make sure you have a Dr that will help you with the appropriate documentation.
 
C

cowboy

Veteran Member
STD I think enables you to draw any income ins while waiting for SS decision. The question is, will your employer maintain your employment, or will they fear that you will fall or become a liability to them. This is why you are filing!

You may question how any pensions work and how long that they take to start?
 
momma_soapmaker

momma_soapmaker

Disgusted
Hubs has been on short term disability for almost a year. It's about to run out, and we're hoping to get another evaluation to see if he can return to work. If not, I'm not sure what we'll do. He has only been at this job for 3 years, and does not have enough "recent credits" with SS to apply for disability, because for 13 years prior, it all went into the railroad (which has their version of SS).

Way more than you asked for, but yes, it is scary as all get out. His pay on STD is a fraction of regular pay. Our adult son has been helping us, or we would have been in a mess.

Call HR and ask LOTS of questions. Write them down beforehand. How long does it last, is your job guaranteed, will you keep insurance, retirement, etc.

They told hubs he would "stay on the roll" for a year after STD ends, but if they won't let him go back now, I don't see it happening later.

He initially went on STD last December for a hip replacement, and all hell has broken loose this year. The company rent-a-doc who does evaluations wouldn't release him to return. We've been fighting it since June, but he had severe Covid pneumonia in September and almost died, so IMHO it was a God thing he has still been off work.

But...we're about to lose what pay he does get and his insurance if something doesn't give in the next 2 weeks.

I feel for you. Pray about it. Ask questions. Take the time if you can, and evaluate the "what if" you can't physically go back scenario. It happens.

You're in my prayers.
 
Granny Franny

Granny Franny

Senior Member
STD and LTD are usually insurance policies your company provides as an employee benefit and are managed by an outside company. I had to go on STD years ago, and the process is pretty stringent and you have to jump through a lot of hoops to get approved. LTD can be even more challenging to get approved for, so as mentioned above, a lawyer might be a good idea.

When you return to work, your employer may have already replaced the position you had, but they should be required to put you to work in some capacity. It doesn't mean they have to keep you, depending on state regulations, and will depend heavily on your relationship with your management.

Prayers up for the best outcome for your situation.
 
h_oder

h_oder

Veteran Member
I work in the Employee Benefits industry. What others have said are good points. However, without seeing your group policy (or at least the schedule of benefits), it's hard to truly comment on the ins & outs of your particular STD/LTD coverage. While you are under STD/LTD coverage, yes - your job is "protected" - or should I say your employment. Your employer will need to take you back, although your position may change. If you don't have a copy of those documents, request them! Your employer is required by law to provide you with hard copies if you request it. In writing. Email is sufficient.
 
SquonkHunter

SquonkHunter

Geezer (ret.)
File for FMLA immediately. This will NOT provide income. Its purpose is to keep your job and benefits like INSURANCE while you are unable to work. Your STD and LTD insurance provides replacement income. I speak from personal experience here. You really need to find someone who knows all the rules to guide you thru the process. Don't leave anything to chance - document everything thoroughly. And remember, FMLA does have time limits. Good luck! 1669901611530.png1669901611530.png
 
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N

Nich1

Veteran Member
I can't contribute any info either. But that doesn't preclude me from having sorrow over your situation. It appears that others have offered some good advice about making sure all the bases are covered. Sometimes, entities try to avoid having to pay what is legitimately owed. I pray you can stay out of that trap.
 
W

WalknTrot

Veteran Member
My understanding is that each employer has individual plans that may differ greatly in benefits. You will have to get the "fine print" from your employer or from their literature.

Short term disability? I wouldn't unless I had to. Something like that is never good for the employee-employer relationship - "legal" or not. Do you have realistic plans to be back at 100% in 6 months? To me, that's the "elephant" question in the room. If not, it might be best to look at longer term options now instead of later.
 
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Jez

Jez

Veteran Member
auxman said:
I have lymphedema in both legs and the swelling is now going above my knees. Anyone have any advice out there as how to proceed? Does STD protect your job if the issue goes away?

I have a $100K+ job as an Emergency Planner at a nuclear power plant. Is this the end of my employment? Scared as shit... don't know if I should proceed with STD, thinking my job could be at risk...

It's a bitch getting old at 58, especially with 4 teenagers (17, 16, 14, 11) still in the house.

I know NOTHING about how STD works so I wanted to throw it out to you all, my friends, for some advice.

Thanks, in advance!

At a minimum... I appreciate the prayers! Thank you.
Click to expand...
Work with your Doctor and look at your disability plans. I screwed up because my short term went long term and then fired. I was not able to convert short term into long term.
 
Kewpie

Kewpie

Senior Member
Depending on the severity of the issue, you might be able to qualify for LTD. My MIL did and basically took early retirement.

My only experience was using short term disability insurance to take leave after the birth of my son (13 years ago…OUCH!) to ensure I pulled a paycheck for a few months. What they *didnt* tell me is that it wasn’t based on my normal working hours, but my average over the last X amount of weeks. But I was having to take sick time due to being high risk and needing lots of extra OB appts.

Have you asked your HR about FMLA? I know that does protect your job, for sure.
 
M

moldy

Veteran Member
Keep a copy at minimum of all your paperwork. My FMLA forms were to be filled out by the doctor and faxed to the company. They didn't get them, then a page was cut off, etc. Having a complete copy allowed me to rescan and email it right away, instead of it going back to the doctor to resend to the company.
 
ioujc

ioujc

MARANTHA!! Even so, come LORD JESUS!!!
It is my understanding, from a cancer survivor I know, that lymph glands can be surgically removed and another one from elsewhere in your body can be inserted to replace it......

Prayers up for you and your situation, however you pursue it.
 
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