Quote:
Originally Posted by komodo1971
So, I had my "end evaluation"for disability with my current employer today. It is clear they want to get rid of me and push me into disability. And I don't want that, I am convinced I can work. But now I have to apply for it anyway. I will make the physician understand that being bipolar doesn't mean that I am not able to work and that anything they give me, has to be in support of getting a new job. I am not a happy camper 
|
Hi komodo!
Sounds like you are in a very tough spot.
Are they trying to put you out on Short-Term Disability or Long-Term disability?
Can you refer to your policy to see if your insurer has "exclusions" written into the policy? (For instance, we will cover 1 year of a mental health claim. We will cover all other disabilities until retirement age, with the appropriate documentation. Something like this?)
If they are putting you onto STD,how long does it cover you before you must go onto LTD? it is often 6 months.
I don't know your situation and/or your employer's disability plans/coverage, so it's extra hard to get a full picture.
Why is your employer looking to put you on disability?
If an employee is out ill too often and/or an employee's work quality is suffering, a"kind" employer might suggest a "disability" option as opposed to "firing" an employee. Please do not take what I am writing personally. I honestly know nothing in your case. Just sharing some of what I have known about employers and disability.
If you go out on LTD, in most cases, you would be required to apply for SSDI. If/when your SSDI gets approved, your disability pay from your employer will be reduced by the amount SSDI contributes. (In this case, the employer is often paying VERY little to the disabled employee, as compared to the employees's former salary. In other words, a disabled employees costs the company MUCH less if/when put out on disability, esp LTD. Yet, the employee still costs more than if "fired.," as I see it.)
PLEASE do not take my word for anything! PLEASE!!!
This is a big deal with your employer and with your career. Please do review the disability policies/coverage. Please also check to see if you have any right to an appeal with your employer. (Some large companies offer assistance through HR; an unbiased 3rd party who will act as an advocate to an employee.)
You may even want to get a legal consult. Often, attorneys will offer an initial consult without charge. Some charge though.
Another thought: If you are in the U.S., you might check to see if there is any type of free of low cost "legal aid." Some states have legal aid offices where people can get advice and, often, representation. Some Legal aid office also have a section or monies devoted to disability issues. (You might find out more about these options by calling your State's Attorney General's office, either directly, or through the Consumer Advocacy Division of the Attorney General's Office.)
And...most states have a State Dept of Labor. depending upon the state, the DOL has some degree of involvement in employer/employees issues. You can call the office in your state, or go online, to see what role is played by your state's DOL.
There is a forum here all about disability and work -related issues. You might also take a look in that forum.
I hope I have been ore helpful than not.
PLEASE do not take my word for anything in this very important matter.
PLEASE do look into your options, your coverage, your rights.
Best of Luck to YOU!!!