Medical Leave question

[Street Rat]

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this. My wife is going to have back surgery and is looking at 6-9 months recovery time. She has long-term disability, but no short-term. From what I have read so far, I don't believe Oklahoma has any short-term disability other than the FMLA which only covers you for 12 weeks. Am I correct on this or does anyone know differently?

 

[Werewolf]

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this. My wife is going to have back surgery and is looking at 6-9 months recovery time. She has long-term disability, but no short-term. From what I have read so far, I don't believe Oklahoma has any short-term disability other than the FMLA which only covers you for 12 weeks. Am I correct on this or does anyone know differently?

You are correct: FMLA is for 12 weeks that can be used non-contiguously over a period of a year. FMLA is without pay. If the condition is such that recovery will be as you say 6 to 9 months she may be able to go on long term immediately but I doubt it. Have her check with her HR.

Most employers offer long term disability insurance. Some offer Short Term. Most short term disability does not kick in for at least 10 days after the beginning of the condition which makes it necessary.

I don't remember how long it takes for long term to kick in. 3 or 6 months rings a bell but I'm not sure. Again HR knows.

It's probably too late but if not make sure your wife is paying the LTD premium (a couple of bucks a paycheck). If she pays it the paid benefit is not taxable when it is paid out. If the employer pays the premium then the benefit is taxable when paid out - at least that's how it's been explained to me by 3 different employers over the past 25 years.

Hope this helps. I'm sure there's at least one gun guy here who's an HR type who will know for sure.

 

[Street Rat]

Yeah, she has been told the long-term disability kicks in after 6 months. Next year looking like a good one. I'm not complaining too much right now, it could be a lot worse.