405 Disability Leave
Xref: PPP 400
405.1 Definition of Disability Leave
A disability leave of absence will be granted for non-job-related illness or injury, or for disability related to pregnancy and childbirth. Absences due to a work-related disability are covered by Workers' Compensation policies and procedures. For a prolonged period of disability the staff member may be eligible for long-term disability benefits.
Xref: PPP 305.6, 308
405.2 Duration of Disability Leave
Pregnancy and Childbirth Disability. The normal period of pregnancy and childbirth disability is considered to be eight weeks: two weeks before delivery and six weeks afterwards. For disability leaves of longer duration, a physician's statement is required.
Disability for Non-Job-Related Illness or Injury. A disability leave for non-job-related illness or injury shall not extend beyond 52 weeks including any continuous sick days taken immediately prior to the leave. Exceptions to this limit for unusual circumstances must be approved by the Director of Personnel Services or the Director of Human Resources for the School of Medicine.
A physician's statement is required prior to the granting of a disability leave. The length of the leave granted may depend upon physicians' statements as to the employee's condition and the ability of the department to hold the employee's job open.
An employee may use accumulated vacation, personal, or sick days at the commencement of the leave.
405.3 Benefits During Disability Leave
The University will continue to pay its share of health and non-contributory life insurance premium costs for employees during the first six months of disability leave. An employee who makes any contribution to insurance coverage must make arrangements with the Benefits Office to continue coverage.
Further, an employee on disability leave of absence:
+ accrues vacation and sick days for use after the employee has returned to a regular position, scheduled at 20 hours or more per week; at least 30 calendar days must elapse after return before such time can be used.
+ is eligible for pay for any holidays or recess days that occur within any paid portion of the leave.
+ is not eligible for tuition assistance.
405.4 Return From Disability Leave
The returning employee must confirm his or her intention to return by informing the department supervisor at least two weeks prior to the end of the leave.
Upon return from a disability leave for non-job-related illness or injury, the University may require medical certification or an examination by the University Health Services to be certain that the employee's health permits safe return to work.
405.5 Termination
An employee who accepts employment elsewhere, except as approved by the University in advance of the leave, applies for Unemployment Compensation in Connecticut or any other state, or fails to return to work on the date agreed upon, is considered to have voluntarily resigned.
