Another Q Regarding Employee/Employer Relations & Weg's:

[TOBEY32]

If one is already working/established w/ his/her employer making concessions for that employee (extra breaks, possibly arriving late/leaving early, etc.) may be easier understood.
I am, both, looking into SSDI while wondering if returning to work is possible if I'm not approved. I think about concessions a new employer may need to make for me. The above mentioned scenarios are definite realities.
Working P/T is an option, I know, yet benies and insurance can be not as attractive.
Have you dealt w/ similar? How understanding was your old/new employer?
Thanks - David

[Psyborg]

I think it might be tough to switch jobs in the initial phases. My employer has been very understanding and I'm back to normal (other than appointments) work schedule. I think with an employer you are already with they have some restrictions on what they can do to/with you, but they are better off working with you. But if you are looking for a new job it might be a bit more difficult.

[TOBEY32]

if this happens, I would consider returning to a previous employer, as they may be more understanding.

[Psyborg]

That will probably be your best bet. IMO

[NicShaf]

my employer was very understanding, but I didn't take that much time off. I would nap during the day in the beginning of treatment, but I did so on my allotted lunch break (1 hour) and took my 15 minute breaks as well. I called out sick a little more than I have time for in a year, but they are just borrowing from next year, and I'll just make up the time that way.
In CA, we have a thing called FMLA...I totally forget what it stands for, but it is basically for people like Weggies who sometimes need to take more than their allotted time off work, and it protects your job as long as you have a doctor’s note. My doc had to fill out the paperwork and sign off that I was eligible. I'm not sure if they have something like this where you like, but it’s worth looking in to.

[delorisdoe]

If you lived in Canada I could answer every question you could ever possibly have regarding sick leave, abscences, return to work, modified work, ssi, part time full time and benefits. I am not sure of American laws. This stuff is a major part of my job.

[Psyborg]

FMLA is actually a Federal thing so it affects all American's. That is why they can't easily remove an employee that is sick (which is a good thing for us sick people). Like Nicole said though, you do have to follow up on the paperwork. I actually never used any FMLA time yet, they let me work mornings in the office and afternoons (after my nap time) at home when I was on CTX. MTX doesn't knock me out in the same way at all so that hasn't been an issue for me since.

My company policy is a PTO policy...kind of frustrating burning all my vacation time on being sick, but certainly better than the alternatives I suppose

[renidrag]

David: If you apply for the SSDI you will probably get it without question, as Auto-immune disease is usually a gimme. I believe you can also work part time and make a certain amount of money without losing your benefits. If they do approve you, two years after that date you will be eligible for Medicaid/Medicare. If we still have it. I applied and was approved within three months.
Dale

[Sangye]

Dale, you'd think Wegs would be an automatic qualifier but it's not. I've read of more people who were denied SSDI than were accepted. If someone is still working it's very hard to convince them that you can't. Appeals can take a few years.

[renidrag]

Ah, another assumption. I was on Long Term Disability when I applied. Ergo the difference? Also the insurance company paid for the lawyer to get it done quicker as of course it will be saving them a bundle.
Dale