I'm on short term disability and it has been great. I did it backwards though, used my PTO for two weeks, had some complications and then applied for it. Doing it before-hand would have been much better. I have six weeks off if I need them and if I go back part time, they will cover the other half while I work my way back to full-time. It is a great relief of my mind too, I am protected at work, still have an income, and just have to focus on getting well and strong. I'd recommend you plan for 3 weeks, so you will be on puree and feeling stronger. You can always go back early if 2 is enough for you. Good luck!

Thank you so much for the advise, and good luck with everything.

I'm doing STD as well. At work I actually have up to 26 weeks paid at 100%. My Doctor requested that I be off 4 weeks. The first week I was requied to use my sick leave and then everything else will be covered under STD. I'm not sure why anyone would want to use up their vacation if this is an option to them.

Use your STD! Most employers will even allow you to supplement it with vacation time to make a full paycheck if you need to.

I have to use my vacation first then my pto then I guess I can use STD

I don't get that option. they make you go on medical leave (uses up all sick and vacation time) and then you go on STD. once i'm on STD I only get 75% of my normal pay....and that's only because i've been there over 15 years. most people only get 50%!!!

I work for the County of Los Angeles and as employees we do not pay into state disability we have the option to pay for it, through payroll deduction. I have three insurance companies I use. So, It doesn't matter if I use my sick time or not, because I am able to use it all.

How it works is, as an option we use 100% sick time first; however many hours you have on the books. After 100% is gone, then it automatically goes into 65% time; I usually have about 336 hours, and after this is gone the 50% time goes into effect and I usually have 224 hours of this. Every January 1st, there is an added 336 and 224 hours added to my employee number. I've been there 14 years and I accumulated 8 hours a month of vacation and 9 hours of sick. So for any type of disability I am able to get full/partial pay and three paid claims.

i used STD but i was forced to use all my vacation before they would pay me. good thing was that i had already used all my vacation.