Your body and mind undergo stress as a natural reaction to when you experience changes, challenges or demands. Stress can cause physical, emotional and behavioural responses. Stress can be managed but high levels can be detrimental to one’s health. If stress has caused your health to decline and you are finding it difficult to manage your work, consider applying for short-term disability. If you’re wondering what to do upon returning to work after a stress leave, read on.
Can you apply for short term disability due to stress?
If you are unable to work because stress is negatively impacting your mental health, consider applying for Short Term Disability (“STD”).
STD benefits are available through your employer’s group benefits policy. The coverage is intended to provide you with income support should you become unable to work due to injury or illness. STD is intended to provide financial aid so you can focus on getting better and back on your feet.
How Do I Apply for STD?
The STD application consists of three forms.
- Plan Member Statement (“PMS”): The PMS is filled out by you and will ask details of your job, last date worked and medical condition.
- Plan Sponsor Statement (“PSS”): The PSS is completed by your employer.
- Attending Physician Statement (“APS”): The APS is a medical form completed by your doctor.
- Take note it’s important to ensure the APS is completed accurately by your doctor. If you are experiencing other mental health conditions that have been negatively impacted by stress, ensure your doctor includes the additional diagnoses so the insurance company has a complete picture when reviewing your claim.
Submitting these forms means your application is complete and the insurance company will decide on your claim.
What to do when upon returning to work after stress leave?
First, if you’ve taken a stress leave and feel ready to re-enter the workplace, ensure your doctor has cleared you to do so.
Second, your STD provider may suggest a gradual return to work plan to help transition you back to work. Ensure your doctor is aware and approves any return-to-work plan as provided by your insurer to avoid the risk of relapse.
Finally, if approved by your doctor, follow the plan as best you can. Stay in communication with your doctor and insurer as you re-enter the workplace, with updates on how you are doing, feeling, etc.
5 Tips on returning to work after your short-term disability stress leave
- Seek approval from your physician on any gradual return to work plan
- Pace yourself to avoid burnout
- Provide updates to your insurer and doctor on how the plan is going
- Seek reasonable accommodation from your employer where necessary
- Ask for a revision of the gradual return to work plan if your symptoms are getting worse
When should you contact a disability lawyer?
If you’ve applied for STD stress leave and your insurer is giving you problems, give us a call. The disability legal team at Whitten & Lublin offers free consultations for short- and long-term disability claims. If your claim has been denied, for any reason, it’s time to get in touch. Let us help you stay in control. Contact us online or call 416 640 2667.
Author – Aman Chaggar
