Unable to work due to illness?
As someone who often works with clients that are dealing with the effects of a new illness a question often asked is about short term disability. Personally I had to recently undergo securing benefits myself and figured I’d provide some tips to help you support the needs of a loved one who may be uncertain about how to navigate benefits.
TIPS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE POTENTIAL BENEFITS
IMMEDIATELY call your HR department. Identify key personnel at your employer who may be able to offer assistance with documentation that your doctor’s will need to complete to process a potential claim.
BONUS TIP Is there a person at work that you can confide in who may be able to offer guidance into the process of applying for benefits? It’s understandable that you wouldn’t necessarily want to broadcast to everyone about your illness but perhaps there is someone at work who went through the process and can offer insight to assist you.
SPEAK with your medical providers about your diagnosis, ask the length of time you may be out i.e. a projected date for you to return to work. Will it be a few weeks, months or more?
CONNECT with your doctor’s office and find out who in the office handles documentation related to benefits. Is there a Nurse Practitioner, office assistant or other person at the office that works directly with the doctor who you would have to send the documents for initial review prior to your doctor filling out forms?
IDENTIFY at least one person in your life that can support you in being your mouthpiece. It’s where you have someone close to you who acts as your advocate in all things related to your health. They are allowed to speak to different entities with your permission of course about your needs and follow up on pertinent information regarding your care. When you are dealing with illness, who has time to make all these incessant phone calls and fill out forms while you attempt to recuperate?
Navigating benefits can be extremely taxing, the uncertainty of what questions to ask can be daunting. With the right guidance and support you can find the answers you need to help you along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, afterall you WORKED for these benefits.
BONUS TIP: Take a look at your paystub and identify what deductions are being taken out every pay period. Often you will see “hidden” benefits