What is the name of your state?undefinedWhat is the name of your state?Maryland
I have been an employee with the state of Maryland for sixteen years. I have a number of health issues and have been allowed to work part time for over two years taking unpaid leave (all my sick leave goes to pay back leave that was advanced to me 2 1/2 years ago). We recently got a new director who called me in and told me I was going to be put on FMLA and that I was to apply for retirement disability ...no ifs, ands, or buts. I said "Are you saying I have to leave?? She said "Yes, it's time."
FMLA was made retroactive to the beginning of the year. I've been told by our HR person (who is a friend) that as soon as my leave runs out, I'm out of there. I've asked to be allowed to take unpaid leave or extended leave until my benefits claim has been approved or denied. Can I be let go because my FMLA has run out? Can I be told that I have to file for disability and leave my job?
While my department tells me there's an 80% - 90% chance I will qualify for benefits, that's just not good enough considering that this is the rest of my life we're talking about. What is my position employment-wise if I fail to qualify for benefits?
I have asked all of these questions and more, and I have asked to have the answers in writing, as well as written notice saying that I have to leave because my absences due to illness are unacceptable. Not only do I not get answers, I get no response at all.
The administration is trying to help me because they can clearly see that I'm having a really hard time. Because I understand this I don't want to cause problems, but as I said, this is the rest of my life we're talking about - I'm 47 by the way. Any thoughts, suggestions, advice as to where I stand? Thanks very much.
Dee
I have been an employee with the state of Maryland for sixteen years. I have a number of health issues and have been allowed to work part time for over two years taking unpaid leave (all my sick leave goes to pay back leave that was advanced to me 2 1/2 years ago). We recently got a new director who called me in and told me I was going to be put on FMLA and that I was to apply for retirement disability ...no ifs, ands, or buts. I said "Are you saying I have to leave?? She said "Yes, it's time."
FMLA was made retroactive to the beginning of the year. I've been told by our HR person (who is a friend) that as soon as my leave runs out, I'm out of there. I've asked to be allowed to take unpaid leave or extended leave until my benefits claim has been approved or denied. Can I be let go because my FMLA has run out? Can I be told that I have to file for disability and leave my job?
While my department tells me there's an 80% - 90% chance I will qualify for benefits, that's just not good enough considering that this is the rest of my life we're talking about. What is my position employment-wise if I fail to qualify for benefits?
I have asked all of these questions and more, and I have asked to have the answers in writing, as well as written notice saying that I have to leave because my absences due to illness are unacceptable. Not only do I not get answers, I get no response at all.
The administration is trying to help me because they can clearly see that I'm having a really hard time. Because I understand this I don't want to cause problems, but as I said, this is the rest of my life we're talking about - I'm 47 by the way. Any thoughts, suggestions, advice as to where I stand? Thanks very much.
Dee