disability benefits/sick benefits

wyoyw

We recently changed our paid leave benefits to a system of PTO's. Staff retained sick & vacation which had been accrued prior to implementation. At the same time we purchase short & long term disability for fte's. Can we legally require staff on FMLA to file for disability insurance when they reach the 15 eligibilty period, even if they have sick leave accrued? (Basicly, we want them to use disability instead of sick leave.)

Margaret Morford

What does your PTO policy and/or STD policy say? You might want to think about amending them to say that if the employee qualifies for STD, PTO may only be used for the 15 day waiting period.

You should get some legal advice on this to make sure you're allowed to do this in your state before making the change.

Margaret Morford
theHRedge
615-371-8200
[email]mmorford@mleesmith.com[/email]
[url]http://www.thehredge.net[/url]

Lori B

Think about the pros and cons of your strategy. We actually prefer to have ees use paid time off before going on disability. The higher the disability claims, the higher your premium at next renewal.... Just a thought as you decide which cost is easier to control in the long run.