Question:
FMLA vs STD

I have been given the date of October 31st. This seems to be set in stone because I already have insurance approval and I have done all the testing necessary. Now I need to know what to do about work. Can you take FMLA and Short Term Disability at the same time??? Which one should I take? I need to make sure I am bringing in SOME money while I am off. Thanks for answering    — enjo4 (posted on October 3, 2000)

October 3, 2000
I would save my FMLA days for follow-up visits and for any required time that you have before STD kicks in. My STD started on the 6th consecutive day I was off work. Since I took off in the middle of the week that met that I had a partial paycheck the first week and a partial disability check the second week. You are allowed 60 FMLA days in a year and these are unpaid days. If you need follow up testing it might be better to make those FMLA days. Work with you HR department to finalize these details. Also, starting early so that your supervisor and co-workers have a "heads up" can be very helpful in making sure that you have bases covered while you are away.
   — Nanette T.

October 3, 2000
Erin, Where I work you can take both at the same time. I will take FMLA but get paid through my long term disability. We don't really have short term disability where I work...just 11 personal days. But I have 9 weeks of long term disability. So see if your work has something like that where they can overlap.
   — Keri A.

October 3, 2000
Erin, Where I work, you can't take both at the same time. FMLA is non paid yet can be covered with vacation time. Also, my STD doesn't kick in until the 6th absence day, however, they go back and cover you from the beginning once approved. I would suggest checking with your employer and finding out what your options are and then make the best decision for you.
   — Gwen R.