Disability insurance ?

I am hoping to use my disability insurance while out for surgery as my surgeon feels I will need several weeks off because I have a very physical job that requires lifting. My surgery isn't for 2 months but when I asked my boss today about the disability insurance she said that we will submit papers to main office, she wasn't sure if I would get it....To say the least I am worried about this. Has anyone else used their disability insurance to get paid while out on leave from work? Any input would be welcomed .....Thanks =)
Leslie

Leslie,

Yes, you should be eligible for disability insurance as long as you and your health care provider complete the paperwork, which you can download at http://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/.  There is a week unpaid waiting period.  In addition, you should be covered by FMLA/CFRA which are federal and state job protection leaves.

If you still need more information, let me know.  I am in Human Resources and am responsible for overseeing leaves of absence and benefits among other things.

Hugs,
Barb

 You are sooooo helpful Barb, thanks so much. I am one that stresses over everything and when my boss said she wasn't sure and that I just have to wait to talk to HR.....well I kinda freaked out.  Not sure how I would have survived without 6 weeks of pay! Do you know what percentage of your pay check they pay out by chance? 

Thanks again,
Leslie

Lenght of time off of work post op varies with each patient. I attend 3 support meeting a month and have done so for almost 5 years.  I hear a lot of post op expereiences.  My surgeon authorizes 4 weeks off of work after surgery, and no more, unless there are severe complications, which seldom happens.  Some post ops recover quicly and return to work. My suggestion is to take the amount of time authorized.   Drinking liquids, eating food issues, etc. may take to to get used to. You want to have these issues pretty stable before you return to the work environment.  My surgeon also states that each patient has a 15 pound wt restriction during the first 3-4 weeks, which means women with small kids definitely need daily support to help with their kids.  Dave

 Thanks for the input Dave. My surgeon was planning on giving whatever amount of time off I needed. We decided on 6 weeks. I'm a veterinary tech at a emergency hospital. We lift up to 100lb dogs (with help) on a daily basis; So to say the least I wanted the extra time off to make sure my sleeve healed well =) Even when I go back I know I will be nervous about lifting and probably make others do it...lol  

Leslie

Lifting 100 pounds daily--you might consider wearing some extra abdominal support garment for the first month or two back at work.  DAVE

 Thanks Dave, that is a really good idea (never thought of that). I would really hate anything to go wrong =) 

Leslie

I work with animals on a daily basis as well and I am hopefully planning on six weeks off.

 I don't think people realize how demanding our job can be. Would it trade it for the world though =) Just talk with your doctor about how demanding it is. My didn't even hesitate to give me 6 weeks off. 
Leslie =)