Sunlife for Short-term Disability

Yesterday they told us that we would need to be off work for 4-6 weeks for the surgery.  I was talking to my co-worker this morning, and she wondered if Sunlife would cover it? I can't see why they wouldn't but I've sent a note off to HR. How did it go for others? Did your insurer cover the time off?

Thanks in advance!

You've done the best thing by reaching out to your HR team. Benefits are different at difference companies. I was lucky that my work covered short-term disability and I was able to take 5 full weeks off along with 1 week of gradual return (returned full time my 7th week).

If you're public service, I can make a suggestion.  Let me know.

No I'm not but thank you.  I work for an insurance company - lol - P&C though- not health.

Hi I am public service. What is your suggestion? 

Since the sunlife plan for the public service does not have short-term disability, I wanted to suggest Leave with Income Averaging.  You need to submit the form about 2 months before you leave.  You'd have to look into that one.  

You can take 5 weeks off minimum and you get paid while you are off.  Money is taken off your paycheques for the rest of the year to compensate for the time that you were off.  I forget what the maximum is that you can take.

I took 6 weeks and feel that was adequate time.  I was very fatigued after my surgery and had some difficulty getting food and water in, just from the fact that I was healing.  

I COULD have gone back to work earlier, but I really appreciate having the time to focus on my food, water, and walking.

I have short term disability with SunLife. Every employer has a different policy, as mentioned earlier.

Thanks.  I updated my post to be more specific to the public service.

Hello There

I'm going in for my referral next week.  I'm a federal public servant and I won't have enough sick leave to take the full time off.  Any wisdom you can share would be appreciated.

Sorry all good.  I read your response above :)