The Leave Guide

What Is a Mental Health Consultative Examination for Social Security Disability?
When someone applies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration needs enough medical evidence to determine how a health condition affects the person’s ability to function. In many cases, the applicant’s existing medical records provide the information needed. In other cases, however, the available records may be incomplete, outdated, inconsistent, or insufficient to make a disability determination. When additional medical information is needed, a state Disability Determination Services agency, commonly referred to as DDS, may arrange a consultative examination (CE). What Is... Read more...
Can You Take FMLA for Mental Health in Louisiana?
Mental health symptoms can make it difficult to concentrate, complete tasks, manage stress, interact with coworkers, or perform your usual job responsibilities. If your mental health is interfering with your ability to work, you may be wondering whether you can take time away from work through the Family and Medical Leave Act, commonly known as FMLA. For eligible employees, the answer may be yes. Can FMLA Be Used for Mental Health Conditions? Under federal law, an eligible employee may be able to use FMLA leave for a serious mental health... Read more...
FMLA vs. Short-Term Disability: What’s the Difference?
When your mental health is making it difficult to work, you may hear terms like FMLA, medical leave, and short-term disability used together. They can overlap, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you know what type of paperwork you may need and what each program is designed to do. What Is FMLA? The Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, is a federal law that may provide eligible employees with up to 12 workweeks of job-protected leave for a qualifying serious health condition. Certain mental... Read more...
What to Do When Your Provider Won’t Complete Mental Health Leave Paperwork
Needing time away from work for your mental health can already feel overwhelming. Finding out that your current provider does not complete FMLA, short-term disability, or workplace leave paperwork can make the process even more frustrating. The good news is that you may still have options. Why Would a Provider Decline to Complete Leave Paperwork? Not every healthcare provider offers workplace leave or disability evaluations. A provider may decline because: Their practice does not handle disability or leave forms They do not feel they have enough information to make a... Read more...
Can’t Find a Provider to Complete Your Mental Health Leave Paperwork? Here’s What to Do
Trying to take time away from work for your mental health can become frustrating quickly. You may know that your anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, or other mental health symptoms are affecting your ability to work. You may even already have FMLA, disability, or workplace leave paperwork in front of you. Then comes the difficult part: Finding a healthcare provider who can evaluate you and is willing to complete the documentation. Many people discover that getting the paperwork completed is not as simple as scheduling the next available appointment. Why Can... Read more...
Can Anxiety or Depression Qualify for Short-Term Disability in California?
If anxiety, depression, or another mental health concern is making it difficult for you to work, you may be wondering whether you can qualify for short-term disability in California. The answer is possibly. California Disability Insurance (DI), part of the State Disability Insurance program, may provide short-term wage-replacement benefits when an eligible worker is unable to perform their regular work because of a non-work-related physical or mental illness or injury. However, having a diagnosis of anxiety or depression does not automatically mean that you qualify for disability benefits. Your healthcare... Read more...
How to Take Mental Health Leave From Work in California: A Step-by-Step Guide
If anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, trauma-related symptoms, or another mental health concern is making it difficult to function at work, you may be considering taking time away from your job. In California, several different programs may apply depending on your employment, benefits, and clinical situation. These can include FMLA, CFRA, California State Disability Insurance (SDI/DI), and employer-sponsored short-term disability. The programs are different, but they may sometimes be used during the same period of leave. Here is what to know before getting started. 1. Understand the Difference Between Leave and... Read more...
Can You Take FMLA for Mental Health?
Mental health symptoms don't always stay outside the workplace. When a mental health condition significantly affects your ability to work, you may need time away for treatment, recovery, or periods when you're unable to perform your job. For eligible employees, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may provide job-protected leave for certain mental health conditions. Here's what you should know. Does FMLA Cover Mental Health? Yes, mental health conditions can qualify under FMLA. The U.S. Department of Labor explains that mental and physical conditions may qualify as serious health... Read more...
California SDI for Mental Health: What You Need to Know
If a mental health condition is making it difficult or impossible for you to perform your regular work, you may be wondering whether California State Disability Insurance (SDI) can provide financial support while you're away from work. California Disability Insurance provides short-term wage replacement benefits to eligible workers who are unable to perform their regular work because of a non-work-related illness or injury. Mental health conditions may qualify when the applicable requirements are met. Here are some of the basics to understand before applying. Can You Get California Disability for... Read more...
How to Take Mental Health Leave From Work in California
When your mental health begins affecting your ability to work, taking time away may give you an opportunity to focus on your health and recovery. But figuring out how to request leave, what documentation you need, and whether you may qualify for disability benefits can be confusing. California workers may have several options for mental health-related leave depending on their employment, eligibility, medical needs, and benefits. Here’s what you should know before getting started. Can You Take Mental Health Leave From Work in California? Yes. Mental health conditions may support... Read more...