u/Old_Database4684

* RESOLVED* Just ran into this on a Google search 😳 Please tell me this is not true. Considering taking FMLA at J1, but not J2.

You cannot legally "opt out" of combining Short-Term Disability (STD) with FMLA if you are taking leave for your own qualifying medical condition. FMLA provides job protection, while STD provides income replacement. When both apply, employers usually run them concurrently.

Edit: First time in my career attempting to use FMLA and have never had to use STD/LTD so please forgive my ignorance and moment of panic. My company pays for STD/LDT so was just looking for confirmation they couldn’t force me to use STD. Thank you for confirming!