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MEDICAL LEAVE
when you need time to heal
The short term disability plan provides you with a paid benefit when you are unable to work due to your own serious health condition that is not work related. This plan complies with the medical leave component of the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFML). Therefore, you will be covered and paid through us, not Washington State’s PFML program.
enrollment
WHO CAN ENROLL?
You - if you are a regular full-time, part-time, seasonal, or limited assignment employee. If you qualify, you are automatically covered.
You may also be covered if you are a temporary or on-call employee or if you are a Commissioner. Please see the short term disability summary to find out more.
USING YOUR BENEFIT
when should i apply?
When you experience your own serious health condition as described in the short term disability plan document or when you need leave due to pregnancy and birth of your child.
Here is how!
Let us know that you need time off at least 30 days in advance, whenever possible, or as soon as possible, if your medical leave is unexpected.
We will provide you with a short term disability packet to get you started.
when will my benefit kick in?
After meeting an 8-40 hour waiting period, once in a benefit year (waived if your leave is pregnancy related).
HOW MUCH LEAVE CAN I TAKE?
Up to 12 weeks (14 weeks if your leave is pregnancy related). Depending on your disability, the disability leave can be taken concurrently, intermittently or for episodic leaves. You must be unable to work for at least 8 consecutive hours to be eligible for short term disability pay.
HOW MUCH WILL I GET PAID?
Regular full-time/part-time, seasonal and limited assignment employees: 70% of your regular, straight time wages, or as calculated under PFML, whichever is greater. You may use accrued leave for a full paycheck.
Commissioners, temporary and on-call employees: As calculated under PFML. You may use accrued sick leave for a full paycheck.
extended leave benefit
Regular full-time/part-time, seasonal and limited assignment employees: After you have exhausted the disability leave benefit explained above, you may apply for an extended disability benefit if your disability leave is concurrent (you are out for 40 consecutive hours or more). File your application with Reliance Standard. If approved, you get paid 70% of your regular, straight time wages. You may supplement with accrued leave to make yourself whole.
Take a look at the short term disability program extension plan document for more information and learn how to file a claim for the extended leave benefit.
What happens to my health benefits while i’m out?
Your benefits will continue, including personal leave accrual and holiday pay.
PERS: You will not accrue PERS service credits while on Short Term Disability, BUT, you can buy-back the service credits after you return from disability. We will reimburse you for the utility portion of the PERS buy-back invoice. Ask HR to learn more about buying back PERS service credits.
I’m pregnant. does the medical leave benefit apply to me?
Yes. You may receive benefits through the short term disability benefit when your doctor finds you unable to work. This can be before your delivery date and/or after you have your baby (typically 6 to 8 weeks post delivery).
After you recover, you may qualify for paid family leave to allow you to bond with your baby. Check out the family leave webpage for more information.
