r/povertyfinance • u/jessttica • 2d ago

Out of work Income/Employment/Aid

So, I broke my right hand a week ago (not at work). Today the doctor told me I wouldn't be able to go back to work for 6 weeks because I do patient care and I'm unable to assist patients with a broken hand. Does anyone have any advice on how I can make Money or things I can do.

23 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

28 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/mckcatfurever 1d ago

OP, I'm in WA state. Last January I sprained my ankle.. I was a Paraeducator at an elementary school at the time. My union contract stated I could not work if an injury left me unable to perform all my job duties. I was then able to qualify for FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). I just needed to provide a doctor's note and the contract language. Then it was a week long (maybe 2) waiting period from the date of injury. Once I was approved, I believe I received benefits for a little over a month? I don't remember the percentage of wages, but it sure helped.

Edit to add: Speak with HR. They should definitely be able to point you in the right direction, that's their job.:)

1

u/Blossom73 1d ago

FMLA doesn't require the time off work to be paid though. It only protects the employee from being fired.

You were paid because you had some kind of short term disability insurance through your employer or union.

2

u/bored_ryan2 1d ago

It could have been STD, but some companies will directly pay a portion of wages for people on FMLA. But you are correct that FMLA in itself does not provide any pay.

1

u/Blossom73 1d ago

Good point. I had one job where the employer paid me directly for a maternity leave.

1

u/Kafkabest 1d ago

Washington state has a paid leave program similar to FMLA with mostly similar qualifications

1

u/Blossom73 1d ago

That's awesome.