Do I have to use up my sick leave, vacation time or FMLA before Im eligible to apply for disabilty benefits?
Yes and no. Each employing fire and public safety district sets the rules on this. Whether you must exhaust other leave before you may apply for disability leave is determined by your LEOFF-1 employer’s personnel policies. You must check with your personnel officer and follow the policy set for using sick or other leave. However, when you are off duty due to disability, you will need to put in your application for LEOFF-1 disability leave benefits within a time specified by your employer. Check with your LEOFF-1 Personnel Officer to confirm the current leave policy in effect and requirements for notifying your employer of absence. Claims for reimbursement of medical or dental expenses must be submitted to your employer within six (6) months of your receipt of the original bill.
