Short term disability and FMLA are separate entities. FMLA is designed to protect your job in case you need time off for a medical reason that goes longer than your PTO. Usually a company will have you take the PTO you have accrued, then there’s a waiting period (usually a week, unpaid), then your STD benefits kick in. Typical STD benefits pay out 60% of your salary for up to three months off, although I work for a kick @ss employer who pays 100%. That time is also the limit of your FMLA eligibility, a time when your employer must keep your job open or be willing to place you in another job at the same level with the same pay.

I’ve been on STD two times during my working career. Both times were pretty seamless as far as employment and pay were concerned. Your doctor fills out forms for each benefit, and your HR and the STD Insurance company take care of the rest.

If you need the time off, then take it. There’s very little risk/harm to doing so, and it can be tremendously helpful for your mental health.