# How Do I (short-term disability) \[edited title\] **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 9, 2010, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-short-term-disability-edited-title/549750 "2010-08-09T20:31:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2010, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-short-term-disability-edited-title/549750/1 "2010-08-09T20:31:36Z")
Cover a possible short-term disability? I’m going for a third consult on my messed-up ankle, but it looks as if surgery is the only real choice (osteochondritis dessicans on top of my foot; four torn ligaments; torn posterior tendon; and extra fluid in the joint). I’m a college prof, so I do have almost five weeks off over X-mas. The ortho docs agree that I couldn’t be back on my foot working full-time for eight weeks, plus or minus What do I do for money if I end up having to take a semester off because I don’t heal quickly enough? I need to check with my college about paid leaves, but I’m wondering if there is such thing as short-term disability insurance I could buy (and if a pre-existing condition makes it null and void). Any ideas/experiences with stuff like this? ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2010, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-short-term-disability-edited-title/549750/2 "2010-08-09T20:37:40Z")
I’d be surprised if you can’t work out some accommodation with the college. There’s no way they’re not handicap accessible, so you should be able to handle crutches or even a wheelchair for three weeks. And lecturing is certainly something that can be done while sitting. ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2010, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-short-term-disability-edited-title/549750/3 "2010-08-09T20:48:37Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > I’d be surprised if you can’t work out some accommodation with the college. There’s no way they’re not handicap accessible, so you should be able to handle crutches or even a wheelchair for three weeks. And lecturing is certainly something that can be done while sitting. They’re very accommodating, but there’s a chance I might be on bed-rest for longer than anticipated, which is where the financial worries come in . . . ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2010, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-short-term-disability-edited-title/549750/4 "2010-08-09T20:54:34Z")
My workplace (grad school/medical school/medical center/hospital combo) offers short and long-term disability plans to its employees. They’re something you sign up for during the benefits “election” period (November for us). Check to see if your workplace has those options. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2010, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-short-term-disability-edited-title/549750/5 "2010-08-09T21:38:10Z")
Chances are, if you try to enroll in disability coverage now (either privately or through your employer), you’ll need to have your physician fill out a Statement of Health indicating any pre-existing conditions such as your foot. Failing to disclose such a condition would constitute insurance fraud. However, as a college prof, I’m a little surprised you don’t already have short-term disability coverage paid for by your university. Are you sure that isn’t the case? Also, is this a state university or private? ---
**Author:** ![Snnipe\_70E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@Snnipe\_70E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snnipe_70E)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-short-term-disability-edited-title/549750/6 "2010-08-10T03:45:45Z")
Depending on the state you are in, are you now paying, through payrole deductions, for State Disiability Insurnance? Many employeers will tie it with sick leave, check with personal. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-short-term-disability-edited-title/549750/7 "2010-08-10T14:38:42Z")
> [@Snnipe\_70E](#): > > Depending on the state you are in, are you now paying, through payrole deductions, for State Disiability Insurnance? Many employeers will tie it with sick leave, check with personal. Specifically New York, New Jersey, (I think) Hawaii, and possibly other states (California?) have state-sponsored disability programs paid for with payroll taxes. Your university HR/Benefits department should be able to explain your options. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-short-term-disability-edited-title/549750/8 "2010-08-10T16:13:20Z")
Jennshark, I’m going to add the rest of your question to the thread title; it appears you were trying to do that. Remember, we’d like to make sure thread titles are clear; it helps people decide whether to read threads or not — or if they have information which may help. **Ellen Cherry IMHO Moderator**