If the disability is because of a work-related injury under the Virginia Workers Compensation Act, the program provides the employee with up to 125 work days of supplemental income after the seven calendar day waiting period in addition to any workers compensation. The level of income replacement during a period of short-term disability compensable under Workers Compensation is determined by months of service. Employees may use family and personal leave for short-term absences because of family illness or may use it to care for family members. Employees may also take it for any other permitted purpose, if they give reasonable notice to supervisors and if absences do not prevent agencies from performing essential services. The number of months that may be credited is rounded up to the next highest month.
Employees also have the choice of converting their sick leave to disability credit.
One hour of disability credit is granted for each hour of sick leave converted. The September issue of Commonwealth Currents will have more detailed information for state employees about the new Sickness and Disability Program. VRS will also cover the new program in a special state edition of this newsletter in the fall.