Reentering the Workforce Following an Injury: Important Information
It's crucial to speak with your healthcare provider before getting ready to resume work. They might be able to suggest adjustments or changes you can ask for for your work. When you resume employment, your company has to make accommodations for you as well. They have to give you a similar job if they can't give you your previous employment back.
Receive your doctor's clearance.
Speak with your employer.
It's critical to discuss your return-to-work strategy with your employer. Make sure to specify any special needs you may have, like a comfortable chair or more time off for doctor's appointments. You should bring a copy of the work limitations that your doctor has prescribed to the office. Occasionally, a different staff member may ask you to do something that is now prohibited by your limits. Having this paper with you will enable you to demonstrate your inability to cooperate in a courteous and effective manner.
A common question is how much information regarding a medical issue they should share with their employer. It depends on the response. Although you don't have to disclose your diagnosis to them, you should provide them with enough details about your conditions so they can fulfill their obligation to provide accommodations for you. You are able to resume employment for up to nine months without losing your whole benefit payments if your disability is covered by workers' compensation.
Find out what your options are.
When your physician gives you the all-clear to resume work, it's time to plan your return to the workforce. To gain assistance with this process, you can work with your state's vocational rehabilitation agency or an Employment Network (EN) authorized by Social Security.
A competent EN can help you return to work by setting you up with TTW, taking care of the paperwork, and even offering a job coach. They can also assist you in understanding your needs for accommodations and how to let your employer know about them.
It's possible that you'll be able to go back to your previous employment after taking a disability leave, or you could be able to take a new role that fits within your capabilities. In any case, you are entitled to the same pay that you had before filing for disability. An own-occupation or any-occurence provision, which lets you earn a set amount without running the risk of having your benefits reduced, is a common feature of long-term disability contracts. It is crucial to notify the insurance company in writing if you do not continue to receive benefits following a work effort.
Request Assistance
Employee assistance programs, which can support workers with impairments, are provided by many companies. Find out what services are available to you by getting in touch with your supervisor or the human resources division. They might be able to offer advice and assistance when you go back to work.
It's also a possibility for you to go back to work part-time and continue to get disability payments. Own-occupancy or any-occupation clauses are a common feature of long-term disability plans. They let you return to work in a different capacity than before without compromising your benefits.
Reentering the workforce after a disability is difficult, but it doesn't have to be impossible. You may return to work successfully with the correct support, care, and communication. An Ohio employment lawyer is able to help if you have any queries. If you are an SSDI recipient, you can also receive individualized employment support by taking part in the Ticket to Work program. Participation is free, and it can assist you in locating a position that both respects your rights and suits your qualifications.
