Sources of Income/ Cost of Benefits while on Leave

Paid Leave verses Unpaid Leave

The use of paid days off (vacation, personal or sick) will run CONCURRENT with an approved Leave of Absence inclusive of FMLA and non-FMLA leaves). 

The cost of Healthcare Benefits

FMLA maintains the employee’s contribution towards the healthcare premium at the same contracted contribution rate as if the employee was actively working regardless of whether the employee is ON or OFF payroll.  The employee-portion of the healthcare premium will be automatically deducted from the employee’s paycheck should he/she remain on payroll (i.e. using vacation, personal or sick days).  Employees who are not on payroll (i.e. not utilizing vacation, personal or sick days) will be billed for their portion of the healthcare cost.  Refer to the chart below:

*The 2025 full monthly cost for NYSHIP Empire coverage is $1,479.53 (Individual) and $3,367.80 (Family).

Waiver of Premium

NYSHIP offers a waiver of Healthcare premium for up to 12 months due to a total disability.  There is a required application, PS-452, Application for Waiver of Premium.  You are NOT eligible for the waiver if you are still receiving income through salary, leave accruals, Short-Term Disability Income, Workers' Compensation, or retirement allowance.

To qualify for a waiver of your Empire Plan premium, you must meet all four of the following requirements:

1. You are currently enrolled in the Empire Plan

2. You have been totally disabled as a result of sickness or injury;

3. You are on an authorized unpaid Leave of Absence or unpaid FMLA with no source of income (Workers' Compensation or Disability);  AND

4. You kept your coverage in effect while you were off the payroll by paying either:

• the required full cost of your healthcare premium (your employee contribution and the employer contribution) if you are on Leave Without Pay (i.e. not covered under FMLA); or

• the employee contribution if you are covered under FMLA.

Contact the Benefits Department at benefits@hhh.k12.ny.us if you feel you qualify for the NYSHIP Waiver of Premium.

The cost of other Benefits

For costs and how to submit premiums for other benefits (AFLAC, Dental, etc.) while on an unpaid leave, contact the Benefits Department at benefits@hhh.k12.ny.us  

Disability Payments

Depending on the reason for your leave, your supplemental coverage, and your employment contract, you may be eligible for Disability Payments while on an unpaid Leave of Absence.  FMLA is the only protection of the employee’s healthcare contribution rate while on an unpaid leave. 

Workers’ Compensation payments are known as Indemnity Payments and are paid to employees every two weeks.  The rate of payment is based on the Workers’ Compensation rate.  Use of existing sick and personal days must be exhausted first but will be credited back to the employee equivalent to the monetary amount received by the district divided by the employees’ rate of pay at the time of absence.  For more information visit http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Workers/Workers.jsp

Short Term Disability through AFLAC can be signed up for (or changed) during the annual benefit election period in October each year with coverages to begin the subsequent January.  This is a 12 month policy so the employee will be paid through the summer while still eligible for the benefit.  Premiums are paid fully by the employee and taken as payroll deductions. Speak with an AFLAC representative regarding the level of your needs and how to apply for this coverage during October's Open Enrollment.   Since the premium is paid with after-tax dollars, you can cancel at any time.

Disability Payments through the District are paid to active employees in certain bargaining units at 50% of salary up to a maximum of $34 per day for no longer than 26 weeks per 52 week period.  These disability payments are not paid to employees eligible for Workers’ Compensation.  Per NYS regulation Transportation, Food Service, Custodial and Clerical  Employees must exhaust all sick days prior to receiving disability payments.  

Members of the HHH Teachers' Association and Paraprofessionals should contact HHHTA to inquire about Short Term or Long Term Disability benefits at office@hhhta.com or 631-499-4240.

Disability Retirement

Should you feel that you are unable to return to work, you may want to explore receiving a Disability Pension from your Retirement System

NYSTRS for Teachers/Administrators

NYSLRS for all other Employees 

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