Do I qualify for FLMA?

It was brought up to me that I should apply for FMLA because I already have a few sick days this year. What are my first steps? Do I talk to my HR department? My GI? I have really no idea. Thank you in advance.

Let's see:

"Family and Medical Leave Act

Overview

The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Eligible employees are entitled to:

Twelve workweeks of leave in a 12-month period for:
the birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within one year of birth;
the placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement;
to care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition;
a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job;
any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a covered military member on “covered active duty;”"

Maaaaaannn this is weak sauce stuff. Well, it's better than nothing. However, if you do find the magic thing that will put the disease in remission then it's worth it. Otherwise, the IBD godz will just wait until your 12 months is over and say....SURPRISE!!..you missed me?!?! lololol

Well yes I'm using my sick leave and PTO first but what if I run out? I didn't any more PTO I wish I had.

I was just wondering because it was brought up to me after I had another sick day. So I will call my HR department about it.

Thanks

 Make sure your GI knows your situation very well and is in par with your request. The HR or  Employee health service's decision is based on the Doctors note.( I am not sure if this the case with everyone- But with my company it is.) It would be best to talk with your GI/GP and explain your struggle/pain and the need for rest .This way your GI/GP can reflect it in the request form- which will make things much faster and easier.

I find it hard to get a sense of "brought up to me"

Is your sense that it was brought up to you friendly, as in:

"I understand your serious situation, and you may want to file FMLA in case you burn through your sick days"

or unfriendly, as in:

"what? another sick day?, maybe you should file FMLA where you have to get medical documentation that you are really sick, because I doubt it"

I just called my HR department because today I'm having another sick day. They told me I don't qualify until I worked there for 12 months. I'm at the 6 months mark now.

It was brought up by a well meaning co-worker. The HR department told me I don't qualify yet. Another 6 months to go. I have only 5 sick days left.

Is the leave on FLMA paid?

Michelejc said...
Tornado: That is very strange. Usually, the form is filled out only once a year by your doctor and all relevant questions regarding time off, etc...are included in the form.

They will not approve intermittent leave because my doctor can't accurately predict when I might flare, or for how long. So if I were to wind up hospitalized, I would need a new FMLA form to cover the specific dates.

I have to have mine recertified every six months.

I have to use all of my PTO first, before taking unpaid leave, but they code paid time off as FMLA sick or FMLA vacation so that they can track all of my FMLA used and make sure I don't exceed my 12 weeks per year.

If they don't like anything on the form, they deny the FMLA until the doctor 'fixes' it, which really stinks if you have a doctor that charges you to fill out paperwork.

It should all be done on the standard DOE form.
www.dol.gov/whd/forms/WH-380-E.pdf

I had a "meeting" today about my absences. I have fibromyalgia,
Osteoarthritis & UC. Lucky me!! I have an 8month old that someone keeps and my 3yo in daycare. With no immune system, I catch everything my child brings home, which causes me to miss work. I am getting over a nasty stomach virus, that I am afraid is about to cause a flare. I missed Monday due to the virus and today we discussed my absences. I recently was questioned about canceling a meeting. I just had to be real blunt and just say "because I couldn't be more than 5' from the bathroom!! Needless to say my company has strict policies on absences. I have missed 2 days and left early once due to sickness. I signed my form and asked about the intermittent FMLA. I was told that was a good idea and see if my doctor could help me out. I dont feel like my boss is out to get me and I understand that he has a job to do. We had a meeting a while back and something was said about me being sick all the time. My feelings were really hurt and i cried. I am so embarrassed that i cried, but I did. I am not a crier, but i am so sensitive about my illnesses. My friend had mentioned it to me in the past about the Fibro, but now I am wondering if I should go the UC route? Do any of y'all have an experience with having 2 chronic conditions and applying? Maybe get both Dr's to fill out the form? Thanks!

33/ Female
UC since 2011
Fibromyalgia 2007
OA 2007

Current UC meds: Asacol 1600mg daily, Canasa, probiotics, Bentyl
Vit D 50000wk
Fibro meds: Savella 12.5mgx2, Ultram 50mgx3