This section is to provide a very brief overview of Disability Programs, Leave of Absences and what you need to do in order for us to be able to help you with the medical verification portions of the application process. This is not intended to be a comprehensive explanation of the programs, a guide on applying or to replace the research you will need to do to determine if you qualify for any of the programs available. We know this is very confusing and overwhelming for many people., and there are resources to help you. We are happy to help connect you with resources to learn more as needed.
There are different types of disability insurance which may be applicable depending upon the severity of the illness and a number of different factors. It is important to know what you are eligible for so you can plan for the future and minimize future stress.
Companies and/or employers may offer private group disability can be purchased on your own or through your employer's insurance company. At some point, some individuals may have purchased a private disability insurance on their own. To learn more about these programs and how you would qualify you need to contact your Human Resources Department or the insurance company you purchased a plan from.
Disability insurance or benefits can also be provided by a government program. There are 3 main government disability programs: SDI (Short-Term Disability), SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Social Security Income).
Frequently, there is a lot of confusion about these 3 separate programs. Here are some very general differences between the programs:
State of California (EDD) & SDI:
The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program provides Short-term Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) wage replacement benefits to workers, meeting criteria, who need time off work. Information about disability and paid family leave can be found at: https://edd.ca.gov/disability
As brief overview, Disability Insurance (DI) provides partial wage replacement benefits to eligible California workers who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. It is different from another disability benefit known as Supplemental Security Income or SSI because DI requires that a person has earned “work credits” or “paid into” the system (frequently done through employee payroll deductions).
As stated on the Employment Development Department website “DI does not provide job protection, only monetary benefits; however, your job may be protected through other federal or state laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).”
To file for benefits, please go to: https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/SDI_Online/
California now requires patients and providers to complete all state disability paperwork (new and continuation) online at www.edd.ca.gov/disability or over the phone: 800-72271213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s toll-free "TTY" number, 1-800-325-0778.
The Social Security Agency & SSDI:
According to the SSA website, “the SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are “insured.” This means that you worked long enough – and recently enough - and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings.” More information about the medical criteria can be found on the website but, in general, the medical condition qualifying you for disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
To learn more or to apply online please go to: https://www.ssa.gov/
The Social Security Agency & SSI:
As explained by the Social Security Agency, “Supplemental Security Income Program or SSI Program provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI payments are also made to people aged 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.” To learn more or to apply online please go to: https://www.ssa.gov/
How do I apply online for SSI?
Follow these steps:
- Go to www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability and select “Apply for Disability.”
- Fill out the Disability Benefit Application
- Answer the disability questions
- Mail or take the documents we ask for to your Social Security office
Please note you will be asked to sign a medical release form (SSA-827) that allows the Employment Development Department or the Social Security Agency to get information from your doctors. You can do this electronically as part of the online Disability application, or you can print, sign, and send the form to your Social Security office.
What our clinic can do to help with disability applications and the medical verification:
While the paperwork will be different for private and government-based programs, the process is the same in that you must apply for disability first and sign a release of information so we may share medical information and documents with those evaluating your claim.
After you submit your application and the medical release form, please send a MyChart message or call 415-353-2069, option 4, to request an appointment with Amy Schwartzburg, Nurse Practitioner to address disability paperwork. All dates and the duration of the disability detailed on the forms are subject to provider approval.
When Applying for Government-Based Disability Programs: For the appointment you will need to provide the 15-digit receipt number that begins with “R” (ex. R100000012345678).
For Private Disability Insurance:
For further information on disability benefits through your employer, please contact your employer’s Human Resources (HR) department or insurance carrier directly. Your employer’s Human Resources department or the insurance carrier will provide you with directions about their process and will have you sign a release form.
If your HR department or insurance carrier gives you forms to complete, please fill out the employee section and sign where indicated.
You will then need to send a MyChart message or call 415-353-2069, option 4, to request an appointment with Amy Schwartzburg, Nurse Practitioner to address the disability paperwork. You will need to provide the forms, with your sections completed, to our clinic. You may send the forms to the UCSF MS & Neuroinflammation Center via fax (415-353-2633) or mail. You may also drop off the forms to our clinic. All dates and the duration of the disability detailed on the forms are subject to provider approval.
For a Leave of Absence Request:
For information about applying for Paid Family Leave, please go to: edd.ca.gov/disability
If you have not had a recent appointment with your provider, one may be required before we can provide the necessary documentation to support a leave of absence request; this will be determined by your provider.
Many employers require a separate company form to be filled out indicating the duration of the leave of absence. Please contact your Human Resources department for further information. If they give you the forms to compete, please fill out the employee section and sign where indicated. Return your completed portion along to the UCSF MS & Neuroinflammation Center via fax (415-353-2633) or mail. You may also drop off the forms to our clinic. All dates requested are subject to provider approval.
In general, a qualified employee can take a leave of absence for up to 12 weeks for serious health conditions, to bond with a child, or to care for a child, parent, or other family member with a serious health condition.
You may also need to complete forms from your employer. To get information about the forms that your employer requires, contact your employer’s Human Resources Department. Once you have filled out your portion of the form, your doctor or nurse will need to complete the medical section.