Returning to Work

When you're ready to return to flying, there are important steps to properly close out your disability benefits.

Before Returning to Work

Medical Clearance

FAA Medical:

• You need a valid FAA medical certificate
• May require special issuance depending on condition
• Work with your AME (Aviation Medical Examiner)
• Allow time for medical processing

Company Clearance:

• FedEx medical may have additional requirements
• Flight operations clearance needed
• Training currency requirements

Benefits Coordination

Understand the Timing:

• SDI stops when you return to work
• LTD stops when you return to work
• Some partial work arrangements exist

Notifying EDD (SDI)

When to Notify

Notify EDD before or immediately when you return to work:

1. Certifications will ask - If you're certifying, you'll report this
2. Stop certifying - Don't certify for periods you're working
3. Call if needed - For questions about closing your claim

How to Notify

If You're Still Certifying:

• On your certification, indicate you returned to work
• Provide the return date
• Answer all questions honestly

To Officially Close:

• Call EDD if needed: 1-800-480-3287
• Or send written notification

Overpayment Risk

Notifying Hartford (LTD)

When to Notify

Notify Hartford before or immediately when you return to work:

• Call your claims representative
• Provide return date
• Confirm final payment details

Hartford Contact

• Phone: 1-888-563-1124
• Have your claim number ready
• Get confirmation in writing

Final LTD Payment

Hartford will:

• Prorate your final payment
• Issue payment through last day of disability
• Close your claim

Transition Scenarios

Full Return to Flying

Most Common:

• Clear medically (FAA and company)
• Return to full flying duties
• All disability benefits stop

Partial or Gradual Return

If Applicable:

• Some conditions allow gradual return
• SDI has limited provisions for partial disability
• LTD may have rehabilitation provisions
• Discuss with both EDD and Hartford

Returning but Not Fully Recovered

Complex Situation:

• May still have some limitations
• Could affect future claims if you go out again
• Document everything carefully

Financial Planning

Timeline Considerations

Week -4:     Begin FAA medical process
Week -2:     Company clearance process
Week -1:     Notify Hartford of expected return
Day 0:       Return to work
Day 1-3:     Stop SDI certifications
Day 7:       Confirm benefits stopped correctly
Day 30:      Verify no erroneous payments

Cash Flow Impact

When Returns:

• Last SDI payment: Covers through last day of disability
• First paycheck: After you've worked and been paid
• Gap possible: Plan for this

Example:

Last day disabled:     June 15
First day working:     June 16
Last SDI payment:      Covers through June 15
First paycheck:        July 1 (for June 16-30 work)

Tax Considerations

For Tax Year:

• SDI (generally not taxable in CA)
• LTD (taxable as income)
• W-2 income (fully taxable)
• Consult tax professional for your situation

If You Become Disabled Again

New Disability

If you become disabled again after returning:

• May file a new SDI claim
• New 49-day deadline from new disability date
• New Hartford claim may be needed
• Pre-existing condition provisions may apply

Same Disability

If the same condition recurs:

• May be considered same or new claim depending on time
• Discuss with EDD and Hartford
• Keep all medical records

Documentation

Keep These Records

Even after returning, maintain records of:

• All disability payments received
• Medical records during disability
• Return to work date
• Medical clearance documents
• Final claim correspondence

For Future Reference

Records may be needed for:

• Tax purposes
• Future disability claims
• Employment verification
• Legal matters

Returning Part-Time

SDI and Part-Time Work

SDI has limited provisions for partial return:

• Generally, SDI is for full disability
• Part-time work may affect benefits
• Report all work to EDD

LTD and Part-Time Work

Hartford may have:

• Rehabilitation provisions
• Partial disability benefits
• Work incentive programs

Check your policy and discuss with your claims representative.

Common Return-to-Work Issues

"My Medical Is Taking Longer Than Expected"

• Keep benefits active until you actually return
• Don't close claims prematurely
• FAA medical can be unpredictable

"I Returned but Had a Setback"

• If within same condition, may be same claim
• If new condition, new claim
• Document what happened
• Consult with benefits specialists

"My Benefits Continued After I Returned"

• Report immediately
• Don't spend overpayments
• Arrange repayment plan if needed
• Document that you reported it

Checklist

Before Return:

• FAA medical cleared
• Company medical cleared
• Training currency confirmed
• Hartford notified of expected return date
• EDD aware (will report on certification)

At Return:

• Confirm first day back
• Stop SDI certifications
• Notify Hartford of actual return date

After Return:

• Verify final SDI payment is correct
• Verify final LTD payment is correct
• Check for erroneous future payments
• Save all documentation

Next Steps

• Checklist - Track all steps
• Contacts - EDD and Hartford contacts
• Timeline - Plan your transition