Employees with an absence of more than 5 consecutive days for a personal/family illness are required to apply for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). An employee with a chronic illness that may require more than 5 days of absence during a year should also apply for FMLA to be used on an intermittent basis. After the approval of FMLA, all absences related to the condition of FMLA should be entered in the AESOP absence system as FMLA leave.

FMLA rules are for the protection of the employee’s position during a time of personal/family illness, when that illness meets FMLA guidelines. It is the responsibility of the employee to notify the Human Resources Department if FMLA is required.

Steps to Applying for FMLA:

• Complete Employee Request for Medical Leave Form (This form may be completed online or printed and sent to the Human Resources Office)
• Print Employee Rights and Responsibilities and keep for your records
• Print Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee Form (Use this form only if your request is for a personal illness)
• Print Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member Form (Use this form only if your request is for a family member)
• Complete the Employee portion of the Certification of Health Care Provider Form and have your health care provider complete their portion. Submit the completed form to the Human Resources Department
• Human Resources Office will determine eligibility for FMLA and inform employee in writing of their placement on or denial of FMLA
• Employees out on FMLA on an intermittent basis may have to provide additional documentation upon request

Steps to Applying for STD Short Term Disability(complete only if you enrolled in this benefit):

In order to be eligible for Short Term Disability, an employee must have elected this benefit at date of hire or during open enrollment. Contact Kathy Strawn at 903-794-3651 ext. 1009 to confirm your enrollment. Facts to remember regarding claims – All claims have a TWO week elimination period from the first day of a qualified illness (example – Employee has newborn and is unable to work from date of birth to six weeks after birth – The first TWO weeks no benefits are paid and the next FOUR weeks benefits are paid). Most claims are paid or begin payment within 7-10 days of claim receipt by the Short Term Disability Carrier.

• Print Short Term Disability Application
• Complete Employee Section of the Application
• Have your Health Care Provider complete the Physician Section
• Return completed application to Human Resources Office. Our office will complete the Employer Section and file the application for you

For questions regarding Family Medical Leave Act or Short Term Disability, contact Kathy Strawn your Employee Benefits Specialist in the Human Resources Department at 903-794-3651 ext. 1009 or kathys@txkisd.net.