Overwhelmed and confused!

I am close to exhausting my sick leave. I also don't have many FMLA eligible hours (too tired to explain), which protect my benefits. I was also under the misconception that if I go on Short Term Disability, my benefits would be paid for. So, I got hold of people in HR to figure out what to do. Actually, I wanted them to lay out my options for me so I could make a decision.

But someone, instead, sent me several websites to read over. It's hard for me, yet, to concentrate. So, I got overwhelmed. I don't know what to do.

I finally talked to the FMLA specialist who finally explained things that helped.

The bottom line is that as long as I work or have enough sick leave to cover half of my work hours in a month, my benefits will be paid in full. I have enough sick leave to cover my benefits for next month. I will be able to work over 50% of my hours in May to cover benefits in June, and will likely have enough in June to cover July. I also expect to do the same next fall, so my benefits will be paid through summer.

That was my biggest worry is whether or not I'd have to pay benefits out of pocket.

I also don't think I will have to take unpaid sick leave this month. Next month is another story. But I may gain enough FMLA hours in May to protect my benefits. I just have to worry about decreased salary, potentially. I don't know how that works.

But just in case, I will go on short-term disability. Even if I have enough sick leave, they will give me $25/week. That might help cover any unpaid sick leave in May. Disability can be back-dated, too. The other good news is that I haven't been spending as much money while I've been home, so now I have some reserve to cover May, in case I need it. And, if I don't, I have some cash to take a little vacation when school lets out in June!