When do I tell work I'm going out on disability?

[Headmeister]

I'm planning on going out on disability at the end of this month, now that it's been suggested to me by two of my three OB's as well as my regular doctor. I'm only staying til the end of May so I can have a full two paychecks before leaving, otherwise I'd leave immediately.

Question: If I plan on going out on May 31st, when do I notify my manager? Do I do it now? Next week? The Friday before (the 31st is a Monday)?

I think if I tell them now it seems a little suspect - I mean, if I'm going on disability, it should be because I'm disabled right this minute, which I am, but really need the two paychecks this month. Then again, I don't think I should wait til the very last minute either...

So what do I do? What did YOU do?

Any advice is greatly appreciated... thanks!

[Bethla]

Are you in the U.S.? If so, it falls under the FMLA. You will want to get a signed note from your doctor and if it pertains to pregnancy they don't have be any more specific than that. However, you should let your employer know ASAP.

I had originally planned on leaving my job on March 10, but left one week earlier. I just got my OB to write a note. I couldn't physically perform my job anymore.

[Headmeister]

Bethla - I'm in the US, and I'm actually disabled and have been told by 3 dr's now that I should go out... so my plan is to wait til end of the month so I can at the very least collect this months full pay before I have to take disability pay, which is less than 1/2 of what I make.

For me, it doesn't fall under the FMLA because the company I work for doesn't have 50 employees. It's just straight temporary unemployment disability benefits paid through the state I live in.

[Climbergirl]

Sounds like you are in CA with the state disability?

If so, pretty much every OB out there (or at least in my area) would sign you out as "disabled" for your last month. I was nervous about indicating I was "disabled" when I did not felt I truly was, but it went fine. You could tell your boss that your OB thinks that you will probably not be able to work past (insert date) due to your pregnancy (I am sure they know you are pregnant). That is all you have to tell them. You could ask what paperwork they may need, but that is it. You could also say you are telling them so they can plan accordingly.

You do not have to tell them any part of your medical history. They have no business knowing. Small companies with no HR people tend to do wacky stuff.

Good luck! It went much better for me than I thought it would.

**edited to add: You may want to also check and see if they can give you "restricted" duty at work (with a note from your OB) since they really think you should not be working now.

[Headmeister]

Climbergirl - I am in NJ. I sit all day for work and my Dr doesn't want me sitting due to the possibility of blot clots. have gestational diabetes, SPD, and now, pregnancy induced asthma that renders me breathless, dizzy and fatigued just from doing something like folding laundry. I've been asked by 3 of my Dr's now why I'm not out on disability yet, so since this makes the third asking me, I'm not going to follow their advice and not work.

My fear is that by telling them now that I won't be coming back in June, to me, is like saying, "Well, I'm not going to be well enough to work in a few weeks, but I'll be fine until then" - even though technically, I'm ready to go out now.

I think I'll just wait until next week. Thanks ladies...

[BreakfastyMichele]

Just a thought: if your OB says you should be on disability now, and you agree, is it worth staying and jeopardizing your health for the two whole paychecks?

[Headmeister]

Michelle - first, I love your screen name and avatar You're right, I should be out already, but seriously, I'm taking it really easy and I really do need those two paychecks - it makes a huge difference. I've actually already told my mgr this morning and he was really great about it. Turns out his ex-wife was hospitalized 9 times with their 2nd DC so he said "I get it, don't worry about it". But you are right, it would be better if I just went out now... I just feel guilty leaving ppl in the lurch like that though I have to get over that I guess, huh?