Temporary Disability/Lay Off

clbsews
clbsews Member Posts: 10
in Ovarian Cancer #1
I have been fighting stage two ovarian cancer for four years with chemo on and off over the years. I am recovering from 9 rounds of chemo and need to recoup due to fatigue and memory problems. I live in New Jersey and will go out on temporary (short) term disability in a week and just received a lay off notice from the University I work for. What are my options for assistance to meet my bills and COBRA payments? I am single so there's no second income. Any suggestions are welcome.

Comments

  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #2
    why
    were you laid off?? If it is due to your illness I don't think they can do this. There is enough stress having cancer and having to worry about money sucks. Can you get unemployement?? I think you can. Try it, also call your employer and ask why and how long. Unfortunately you will have to pay for your health insurance, Good luc...val
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #3
    Ouch!
    I'm sorry to hear you got a lay off notice! I don't live in the States, and have no knowledge of how these things work, but my image of living in the US, is that you cannot be descrimiated for because you have cancer or for ANY reason! Is this far fetched? I'm sure there are gals on here with more facts about this, and I'm sure they will respond soon.
    Take care,
    kathleen
  • rose_marie
    rose_marie Member Posts: 75
    #4
    poopergirl14052 said:

    why
    were you laid off?? If it is due to your illness I don't think they can do this. There is enough stress having cancer and having to worry about money sucks. Can you get unemployement?? I think you can. Try it, also call your employer and ask why and how long. Unfortunately you will have to pay for your health insurance, Good luc...val

    I also don't think your job
    I also don't think your job can let you go. Check into this, please.
    As for medical, that I can not advise. Perhaps check into the Health Coverage Tax Credit or HCTC. It is a program from the IRS that pays 60+% of your medical including Cobra. Of course there are qualifications. You can do this online.
    Good Luck and keep me informed.
    Rosemarie
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #5
    Grievance
    The first thing I would do is file a grievance. If there is a process for this at your University, there is usually a deadline, 10 days or so, that you need to file within. Don't lose your chance to file. Then follow the process. I think the University would be hard pressed to prove that they are not laying you off due to your illness. Additionally, if you are slated to go on disability soon, the University probably doesn't even pay that, an insurance company usually does. So, they aren't saving any money by laying you off.
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #6
    It depends somewhat on the
    It depends somewhat on the state you live in. Texas, for instance, is a "right to work" state, also known as an "at will" state. That means that except for protected classes, your employer can terminate you for any reason, or no reason.

    Cancer is a disability under the ADA when it or its side effects substantially limit(s) one or more of a person's major life activities.

    Employers must make reasonable accomodations for people with cancer, such as letting you come in later on the day after chemo. Your employer cannot discriminate against you because you have cancer or suffer from effects of cancer or cancer treatment, as long as you are qualified to do your job. If you say, "I am too sick to do my job," however, all bets are pretty much off. If you go out on FLMA, they have to hold your job for 12 weeks (without pay, of course).

    The other thing is, were you the only one in your position, or a similar position, that was laid off? If there were other lay-offs, you may not have a case.

    I suggest you contact an attorney who specializes in labor law. If you win, you could get a lot more than just lost wages.

    Carlene

    PS....LOVE your Schnauzer! I have one, too.
  • rose_marie
    rose_marie Member Posts: 75
    #7
    What is the latest?
    Have not heard from you in a few days. What is the latest with you job and disability? How are you feeling? Keep a positive outlook and let us know how everything is.

    Rosemarie
  • rose_marie
    rose_marie Member Posts: 75
    #8
    What is the latest?
    Have not heard from you in a few days. What is the latest with you job and disability? How are you feeling? Keep a positive outlook and let us know how everything is.

    Rosemarie
  • clbsews
    clbsews Member Posts: 10
    #9
    rose_marie said:

    What is the latest?
    Have not heard from you in a few days. What is the latest with you job and disability? How are you feeling? Keep a positive outlook and let us know how everything is.

    Rosemarie

    Update
    Thanks, Ladies, for all of your advice. I've been away for several days, hence the delay in responding. I still don't have any new news to share. Will meet with my boss on Monday to discuss potential grants and other options that might cover my salary. I am trusting the Lord for His best and taking care of me.
  • faithbarbalace
    faithbarbalace Member Posts: 15
    #10
    cobra=rip off!!!!!
    try your local health dept. ask what you have to do to get a seat with kiaser permenente. they offer a pro bono, with 3yrs insurance with only a 20.00/ month co pay for 3yrs.truth is in maryland , i had to quit my job to get long term assistance. your lay off notice might probubly be your salvation. people who work and try to maintain, usually dont make it financialy. sad but true. there is never help for the working middle class. what happens, you believe in doing the right thing, and the society and the medical profession is not set up for the truth, just compliance. you truely in my prayers
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #11
    faithbarbalace said:

    cobra=rip off!!!!!
    try your local health dept. ask what you have to do to get a seat with kiaser permenente. they offer a pro bono, with 3yrs insurance with only a 20.00/ month co pay for 3yrs.truth is in maryland , i had to quit my job to get long term assistance. your lay off notice might probubly be your salvation. people who work and try to maintain, usually dont make it financialy. sad but true. there is never help for the working middle class. what happens, you believe in doing the right thing, and the society and the medical profession is not set up for the truth, just compliance. you truely in my prayers

    @faith: Yeah, I went on
    @faith: Yeah, I went on disability, too...the funny thing was that I got a notice on "Do you want to get re-trained to return to work?" BEFORE I even got my first check! Hahahahahaha!

    LQ

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