Workers’ Compensation FAQ for Employees
Frequently Asked Questions
Related
|
| QUESTION GROUPS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| General Info | Injury Report | TD Benefits | Safety |
| Who to Call | Medical Care | SL, VL, ESL | Ergonomics |
| Claim Status | Return to Work | ||
• What do I do if I become injured or ill because of work?
GENERAL INFORMATION -Top-
• What do I do if I become injured or ill because of work?
• Who coordinates Workers' Compensation at UCSF?
• What is Workers' Compensation?
• Who has Workers' Compensation insurance coverage?
• Are UCSF volunteers covered for Workers' Compensation?
• Are UCSF students covered for Workers' Compensation?
• What are the main workers' compensation benefits?
• Who decides if I am eligible for benefits?
• Who provides the benefits?
• Is there an informational pamphlet for new employees?
• Is there an informational brochure for injured workers?
• Is there an informational poster for the workplace?
• Is there a UCSF office to answer my questions?
• Is there a State of California office to answer my questions?
WHO TO CONTACT -Top-
• Who do I contact if my injury or illness is work-related?
• Who do I contact if my injury or illness is NOT work-related?
• Who is Disability Management Services?
• Who is Sedgwick CMS?
• What is Sedgwick CMS's phone number?
• Who do I contact if I want to change doctors?
• Who do I contact about my medical care?
• Who do I contact for a copy of my medical report?
• Who do I contact about my medical bills?
• Who is UCSF's insurance carrier?
• Who do I contact to find out who is handling my claim?
• Who do I contact to find out my Claim Number?
• Who do I contact to see if my claim is still open?
• Who do I contact about my Temporary Disability payments?
• Who do I contact about my UCSF paycheck?
• Who do I contact about my insurance premums?
• Who do I contact about the Contingency Fund?
• Who do I contact about my retirement service credit?
• Who do I contact about other UCSF insurance plans?
• Who do I contact about workplace safety?
• Who do I contact if I need an ergonomic workstation assessment?
REPORTING AN INJURY OR ILLNESS -Top-
• What do I do if I become injured or ill because of work?
• When should I report an injury or illness?
• Do I need to be off work to file a claim?
• How do I file a claim?
• Where do I get the claim forms?
• To whom do I give the completed claim forms?
• Who will contact me after I have filed the claim forms?
• How soon will I be contacted after I report the injury?
OBTAINING MEDICAL TREATMENT -Top-
• What do I do if I become injured or ill because of work?
• Where do I go for medical treatment?
• Who authorizes medical treatment?
• Can my supervisor authorize medical treatment?
• Can I go to my own doctor?
• Where can I get the form to predesignate my own doctor as treater?
• Can I change doctors?
• Who do I contact if I want to change doctors?
• Who do I contact about my medical care?
• Who do I contact for a copy of my medical report?
• Who do I contact about my medical bills?
• Who is UCSF's insurance carrier?
• What is UCSF's insurance policy number?
• Who do I contact to find out my Claim Number?
CLAIM STATUS -Top-
• Who do I contact to find out who is handling my claim?
• Who do I contact to find out my Claim Number?
• Who do I contact to see if my claim is still open?
• What happens if my claim is accepted?
• What should I do if my claim is delayed?
• How long can my claim be delayed?
• What should I do if my claim is denied?
TEMPORARY DISABILITY BENEFITS -Top-
• Who do I contact about my Temporary Disability payments?
• How much are Temporary Disability payments?
• When will I receive the first Temporary Disability payment?
• How often are Temporary Disability payments made?
• When do Temporary Disability payments end?
SL, VL, ESL, PAYROLL -Top-
• Who do I contact about my UCSF paycheck?
• Can I use my Sick Leave & Vacation while receiving Temporary Disability?
• How much of my Sick Leave or Vacation Leave will I use?
• What personnel policy addresses TD, Sick Leave & Vacation Leave?
• What is Extended Sick Leave (ESL)?
• Which does ESL pay: 80% or less than 80% of regular earnings?
• How much does Extended Sick Leave pay?
• How will I be paid if I am off work due to a disability?
• How will I be paid if I am disabled part-time?
• How do I fill out my timesheet?
• Do I use Sick Leave to attend medical visits?
• Do I use Sick Leave for the three day waiting period?
• Will all my Sick Leave be reimbursed or only part?
• Will I continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave while off work?
• How will being on Temporary Disability affect my retirement service credit?
• How will my Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums be paid?
• What is the Contingency Fund?
• Who do I contact about my insurance premums?
• Who do I contact about the Contingency Fund?
• Who do I contact about my retirement service credit?
• Who do I contact about other UCSF insurance plans?
RETURN TO WORK -Top-
• What is Transitional Work?
• What if I am permanently unable to return to my job?
• Where can I find information about Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits?
SAFETY -Top-
• Who do I contact about workplace safety?
ERGONOMICS -Top-
• Who do I contact if I need ergonomic workstation assessment?
What do I do if I become injured or ill because of work? -Top-
Report the injury to your supervisor immediately, and obtain prompt medical care.
For more detail, see the Employee Incident Protocol.
Who coordinates Workers' Compensation Program at UCSF? -Top-
UCSF Human Resources
Disability Management Services
UCSF Box 0964
San Francisco, CA 94143-0964
Tel: (415) 476-2621
Fax: (415) 476-2328
What is Workers' Compensation? -Top-
A no-fault, employer-paid insurance system designed to assure that employees who sustain work-related injury or illness receive complete medical attention for the injury or illness, and a degree of financial and other support in returning to gainful work.
Who at UCSF has Workers' Compensation insurance coverage? -Top-
All University employees, and pre-approved volunteers.
Are UCSF volunteers covered for Workers' Compensation? -Top-
Pre-approved volunteers are covered. Volunteers wishing to elect coverage must submit Volunteer Program forms to Disability Management Services for approval.
Are UCSF students covered for Workers' Compensation? -Top-
No. Workers' compensation does not cover students. If you are a student in need of medical care, contact Student Health Services at (415) 476-1281.
What are the main Workers' Compensation benefits? -Top-
- Medical and Hospital Care - to cure and relieve from the affects of the injury
- Temporary Disability Payments - to partially replace earnings lost during medical recovery
- Permanent Disability Payments - to partially replace earning power lost after medical recovery
- Supplemental Job Displacement benefits - to assist the worker in returning to suitable gainful employment
- Death Benefits - payable to dependents should the injury or illness materially lead to death
Who decides if I am eligible for workers' compensation benefits? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS
510-302-3180
Who provides the workers' compensation benefits? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS
510-302-3180
Is there an informational pamphlet for new employees? -Top-
Yes: The Time of Hire Pamplhet
Is there an informational brochure about the UC Workers' Compensation Program? -Top-
Is there an informational poster for the workplace? -Top-
Yes, one in English and one in Spanish: Posters
Is there a UCSF office to answer my questions? -Top-
Yes, HR Disability Management Services:
UCSF Human Resources
Disability Management Services
UCSF Box 0964
San Francisco, CA 94143-0964
Tel: (415) 476-2621
Fax: (415) 476-2328
Is there a State of California office to answer my questions? -Top-
Yes: You can call an Information & Assistance Officer at the nearest office of the State Division of Workers' Compensation.
Who do I contact if my injury or illness is work-related? -Top-
Report your work-related injury or illness to your supervisor immediately.
See the section below for information about when to report an injury or illness and file a claim.
Who do I contact if my injury or illness in NOT work-related? -Top-
Contact Benefits & Financial Planning at (415) 476-1400.
Who is Disability Management Services? -Top-
Disability Management Services (DMS) is the UCSF office that is responsible for coordinating UCSF's workers' compensation program. DMS is a unit of the UCSF Human Resources department.
Who is Sedgwick CMS? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS is the University's Third Party Workers' Compensation Administrator. Sedgwick CMS is responsible for administering the workers' compensation claims, deciding which benefits are due, and paying them.
What is Sedgwick CMS's phone number? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS
510-302-3180
When should I report an Injury or Illness? -Top-
All injuries and illnesses, no matter how trivial, should immediately be reported to your supervisor. A delay in reporting an injury may result in a delay in providing benefits, or may even jeopardize your eligibility for benefits.
You should also immediately report all injuries and illness which you believe may be work-related, even if you are not absolutely sure they are. This will protect your right to any benefits that may be due you.
Do I need to be off work to file a claim? -Top-
No. Many people continue to work while receiving workers' compensation benefits (medical treatment, for instance). You can file a claim whether or not you have lost any time from work.
How do I file a claim? -Top-
Report the injury to your supervisor; claim forms will be sent to you.
Or, you can print the Employee Incident Report form, fill it out, and give them to your supervisor.
Where do I get the Employee Incident Report form? -Top-
Once you report your injury to your supervisor, DMS will send the form to you.
Or, you can print on-line form.
Or, you can call Disability Management Services, at (415) 476-2621, and we will send you the form.
To whom do I give the completed Employee Incident Report? -Top-
If you have printed the EIR form from this web site, fill it out and give it to your supervisor.
If you received the form from Disability Management Services, fill it out and return it to Disability Management Services at:
UCSF Human Resources
Disability Management Services
UCSF Box 0964
San Francisco, CA 94143-0964
Or, you can fax the forms to DMS at (415) 476-2328.
Who will contact me after I have filed the claim forms? -Top-
Your Claims Administrator at Sedgwick CMS, (510) 433-5300, will call you to discuss your injury and to explain the workers' compensation benefits and procedures in detail.
How soon will I be contacted after I report the injury? -Top-
After reporting your injury, Sedgwick CMS should contact you within ten days at the very latest, usually much sooner.
Where do I go for medical treatment? -Top-
See the Employee Incident Protocol.
Who authorizes medical treatment? -Top-
All medical treatment that is beyond First Aid or Emergency care must be authorized by:
Sedgwick CMS
510-302-3180
No one else may authorize such medical care.
Can my supervisor authorize medical treatment? -Top-
Your supervisor can make an initial referral for:
- First Aid treatment,
- Emergency care,
- Or, to the University's designated medical provider.
In the case of a need for Emergency care, your supervisor should refer or escort you to the nearest emergency care facility, or call an ambulance, as circumstances require.
Can I go to my own doctor? -Top-
If you and your personal physician filled out the Personal Physician Predesignation form before the injury happened, you can go to your personal physician immediately after the injury.
If you and your personal physician did not fill out the Predesignation Form before the injury happened, you can begin treating with your personal physician thirty (30) days after the date on which you reported the injury to your supervisor.
Where can I get the forms to predesignate my personal physician to be my treater after an injury, and to predesigate my personal chiropractor or acupuncturist in case I wish to change treating physicians? -Top-
You can print the forms from this website.
Or, you can call Disability Management Services, and we will send you one.
Send the completed form to Disability Management Services.
Can I change doctors? -Top-
Yes. You have the right to one change of physician, which you can request at any time.
If you request a change of physician during the first thirty (30) days after you report your injury to your supervisor, you can change to your personal chiropractor or personal acupuncturist if you filled out the predesignation forms before the injury occurred.
If you request a change of physician thirty (30) or more days after you report your injury to your supervisor, you can be treated by any physician of your own choice.
Who do I contact if I want to change doctors? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS 510-302-3180
Who do I contact about my medical care? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS 510-302-3180
Who do I contact for a copy of my medical report? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS 510-302-3180
Who do I contact about my medical bills? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS 510-302-3180
What is UCSF's Workers' Compensation "carrier" and policy number? -Top-
"Carrier" means "insurance company". The University is self-insured for Workers' Compensation. Instead of having a "carrier", the University has a Third Party Administrator: Sedgwick CMS.
Since the University is self-insured, there is no insurance policy number.
If your doctor's office asks you for the name and address of your employer's workers' compensation "carrier", and for your employer's "policy number", give them the following information:
Sedgwick CMS 510-302-3180
Insurance Policy Number: No Policy. Self-Insured.
Who do I contact to find out who is handling my claim? -Top-
Call Sedgwick CMS at 510-302-3180.
Who do I contact to find out my Claim Number? -Top-
Call Sedgwick CMS at 510-302-3180.
Who do I contact to see if my claim is still open? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS 510-302-3180
What happens if my claim is accepted? -Top-
Sedgwick will begin to provide benefits immediately. Most claims are accepted.
What should I do if my claim is delayed? -Top-
It can take up to ninety (90) days from the date you reported the injury to your supervisor for Sedgwick to make a decision on your claim. During this time, workers' compensation disability benefits will not be paid.
During this time, you may be eligible to receive benefits under other UC disability plans.
Contact the Benefits & Financial Planning Division at
How long can my claim be delayed? -Top-
It can take up to ninety (90) days from the date you reported the injury to your Supervisor for Sedgwick CMS to make a decision on your claim. During this time, workers' compensation disability benefits will not be paid.
Contact the Benefits & Financial Planning Division at
What should I do if my claim is denied? -Top-
Contact the Benefits & Financial Planning Division at
Who do I contact about my Temporary Disability payments? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS 510-302-3180
How much are the Temporary Disability payments? -Top-
While you are off work recovering from your injury or illness, you will receive Temporary Disability (TD) payments from Sedgwick CMS.
Temporary Disability partially replaces lost wages. It is always less than 100% of your regular earnings. The amount of the TD benefit depends on your average weekly earnings at the time you were injured and upon maximums set by law.
You can elect to use your Sick Leave, or both your Sick Leave and your Vacation Leave to supplement the TD payments bring you up to a total income of 100% of your regular earnings.
When will I receive the first temporary disability (TD) payment? -Top-
You should receive your first Temporary Disability payment within 14 days.
How often are Temporary Disability payments made? -Top-
Temporary Disability is paid every two weeks.
When do Temporary Disability payments end? -Top-
TD payments end when:
You return to work, or
Your medical condition stabilizes.
Who do I contact about my UCSF Paycheck? -Top-
Ask your supervisor or your department's Payroll representative.
If you or your department need more information, contact:
Campus Payroll: (415) 476-6801
Can I use my Sick Leave & Vacation Leave while receiving Temporary Disability payments? -Top-
Yes. You can elect to use Sick Leave, or both Sick Leave & Vacation Leave, to supplement Workers' Compensation payments. You do this by filling out the ESL Option Form.
See PPSM 44 Work-Incurred Illness and Injury or the similarly named section of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that pertains to you.
The policy also discusses the Extended Sick Leave supplement.
How much of my Sick Leave or Vacation Leave will I use? -Top-
Because Temporary Disability is partially replacing your lost wages, you do not need to use as much Sick Leave or Vacation Leave as you usually would. How much you use will depend on how much you receive in W/C Temporary Disability.
What personnel policy addresses WC, Sick Leave, & Vacation Leave? -Top-
PPSM 44.
The policy also discusses the Extended Sick Leave supplement.
What is Extended Sick Leave? -Top-
Extended Sick Leave is a benefit that supplements workers' compensation temporary disability (TD) payments once Sick Leave is exhausted. It supplements TD to 80% of regular wages plus shift differential for a maximum of twenty-six (26) weeks.
For more information, see: PPSM.
Which does Extended Sick Leave pay: 80% or less than 80% of regular earnings? -Top-
ESL does not pay 80% of your regular earnings. It pays less than 80%.
See How much does Extended Sick Leave pay? for a full description.
How much does Extended Sick Leave pay? -Top-
Extended Sick Leave supplements Temporary Disability, so that the sum of the two is equal to 80% of your regular earnings.
Here is the formula:
For example:
If you usually earn $3,000 per month, and Sedgwick pays you $2,000 in TD for that month, then the University will calculate the Extended Sick Leave owed to you as follows:
80% of Regular Earnings = (.80)*(3,000) = $2,400.
TD paid by Sedgwick = $2,000.
ESL owed = $2,400 - $2,000 = $400.
For that month, you will receive $2,000 in TD from Ocatgon, and $400 in ESL from the University. Your total income will therefore be $2,400 which is 80% of your regular earnings of $3,000.
How will I be paid while I am off of work due to a disability? -Top-
If your claim is ACCEPTED by Sedgwick:
- Sedgwick will send you a disability (TD) check every two weeks.
- You can use your Sick Leave, or your Sick Leave and Vacation Leave, to supplement the TD check up to 100% of your regular earnings. Fill out the: ESL Option form.
- If your Sick Leave, or your Sick Leave and Vacation Leave, runs out, and you are still disabled, you may be eligible for Extended Sick Leave benefits which will supplement your TD checks up to 80% of your regular earnings for a maximum of twenty-six (26) weeks. Fill out the: ESL Option form.
- If Extended Sick Leave benefits run out, and you are still disabled, call the Benefits & Financial Planning Office at
(415) 476-1400. You may be eligible for UC Supplemental Disability benefits through Liberty Mutual to supplement your TD check, and you may be eligible to have the full cost of your Medical insurance premium paid by the University's Contingency Fund. You should also contact the Payroll Office to make arrangements to pay the premiums for your Dental and Optical insurance.
- Call the Benefits & Financial Planning Office at
(415) 476-1400. You may be eligible for UC Supplemental Disability payments through Liberty Mutual until Sedgwick CMS makes a decision on your claim.
- Call the Benefits & Financial Planning Office at
(415) 476-1400. You may be eligible for UC Supplemental Disability through Liberty Mutual.
How will I be paid if I am disabled part-time? -Top-
You may be entitled to Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) payments from Sedgwick CMS. If so, this will pay a portion of your wage-loss while working on a part-time schedule:
- The University will pay you for the time you work.
- If eligible, Sedgwick will pay you TPD benefits.
- Sick Leave, or Sick Leave and Vacation, can supplement the above up to 100%.
- Afterwards, Extended Sick Leave can supplement the above up to 80%.
- Afterwards, UC Supplemental Disability may supplement the above. Call the Benefits & Financial Planning office at
(415) 476-1400 to see if you are eligible.
How do I fill out my timesheet? -Top-
You fill out your timesheet as you normally would, using hours of Sick Leave for your lost time.
Each month, your department's Payroll Processor will reconcile your timesheet, based on any workers' compensation payments made by Sedgwick CMS.
If your claim has been accepted by Sedgwick, and you elected to use both Sick Leave and Vacation Leave to supplement the workers' compensation payments made by Sedgwick, you can begin to use your Vacation Leave hours once your Sick Leave hours run out.
If your claim has been delayed by Sedgwick, you are not automatically permitted to use your Vacation Leave. You must obtain the approval of your department.
If your claim has been denied by Sedgwick, follow your departments usual procedures.
Do I use Sick Leave to attend medical visits? -Top-
You fill out your timesheet as you normally would, using hours of Sick Leave for your lost time.
Each month, your department's Payroll Processor will reconcile your timesheet, based on any workers' compensation payments made by Sedgwick CMS.
If your claim has been accepted by Sedgwick, and you elected to use both Sick Leave and Vacation Leave to supplement the workers' compensation payments made by Sedgwick, you can begin to use your Vacation Leave hours once your Sick Leave hours run out.
If your claim has been delayed by Sedgwick CMS, you are not automatically permitted to use your Vacation Leave. You must obtain the approval of your department.
If your claim has been denied by Sedgwick, follow your departments usual procedures.
Do I use Sick Leave for the three day waiting period? -Top-
Yes. Temporary Disability is usually not paid for the first three days of disability.
You must use your Sick Leave. If you do not have sufficient Sick Leave to cover the entire three days, and if you are eligible for Extended Sick Leave, then Extended Sick Leave will apply to the remainder of the three days, and will pay you at 80% of your regular earnings, even though Temporary Disability is not being paid.
Will all my Sick Leave be reimbursed or only part? -Top-
Only part of your Sick Leave is reimbursed.
Workers' Compensation partially replaces lost wages. It always pays less than 100%. So, reimbursements to Sick Leave are always less than 100%.
Will I continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave while off work? -Top-
While using Sick Leave to supplement Temporary Disability payments:
- You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate.
- The accruals are credited to you immediately, and you can use them as soon as you accrue them.
- If you separate from the University without returning to work:
- Vacation Leave accrued in this period is paid to you.
- Sick Leave accrued in this period is not paid to you.
- You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate.
- The accruals are credited to you immediately, and you can use them as soon as you accrue them.
- If you separate from the University without returning to work:
- Vacation Leave accrued in this period is paid to you.
- Sick Leave accrued in this period is not paid to you.
- You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate.
- The accruals are credited to you upon your return to work, and you can use them after you return to work.
- If you separate from the University without returning to work:
- Vacation Leave accrued in this period is paid to you.
- Sick Leave accrued in this period is not paid to you.
- You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate.
- The accruals are credited to you upon your return to work, and you can use them after you return to work.
- If you separate from the University without returning to work:
- Vacation Leave accrued in this period not paid to you.
- Sick Leave accrued in this period is not paid to you.
How will being on Temporary Disability affect my retirement service credit? -Top-
While using Sick Leave to supplement the Temporary Disability payments, you continue to earn retirement service credit at your regular rate.
While using Vacation Leave to supplement the Temporary Disability payments, you continue to earn retirement service credit at your regular rate.
While using Extended Sick Leave to supplement the Temporary Disability payments, you earn retirement service credit at 80% of your regular rate.
After Extended Sick Leave runs out, while you are on Leave of Absence Without Pay, you do not earn retirement service credit.
How will my Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums be paid? -Top-
While Sick Leave is supplementing the TD checks from Sedgwick, all contributions to your Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums continue as usual.
While Vacation Leave is supplementing the TD checks from Sedgwick, all contributions to your Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums continue as usual.
While Extended Sick Leave is supplementing the TD checks from Sedgwick, all contributions to your Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums continue as usual.
However, after the twenty-six (26) weeks of Extended Sick Leave runs out, your department will place you on Leave of Absence Without Pay, and alternate arrangements must be made to assure that payment of your Health insurance premiums continues. If you continue to be a University employee, continue to be disabled, and continue to receive workers' compensation Temporary Disability benefits from Sedgwick CMS, then:
- Medical Premium:
The University will continue to pay its contribution to your Medical premium. In addition, the University will begin to pay that portion of your Medical premium that you were previously paying through deductions from your paycheck. In other words, the University will begin to pay the full cost of your Medical insurance premium. - Dental Premium:
You must call the Payroll Office and make arrangements to pay the full cost of your Dental premium, if you wish that insurance coverage to continue. - Optical Premium:
You must call the Payroll Office and make arrangements to pay the full cost of your Optical premium, if you wish that insurance coverage to continue.
The Contingency Fund is the fund the University uses to pay your portion of your Medical premium after Extended Sick Leave has run out. See How will my Medical, Dental, and Optical premiums be paid?
The Contingency Fund is managed by the UC Office of the President. Each month your department writes a memorandum to the Benefits & Financial Planning department, who contact the Office of the President and request that your Medical premium be paid for another month.
Who do I contact about my insurance premiums? -Top-
Contact Benefits & Financial Planning at
Who do I contact about the Contingency Fund? -Top-
Contact Benefits & Financial Planning at
Who do I contact about my retirment service credit? -Top-
Contact Benefits & Financial Planning at
Who do I contact about other UCSF insurance plans? -Top-
Contact Benefits & Financial Planning at
What is Transitional Work? -Top-
Transitional Work is a temporary, medically approved modification of your work duties during the transitional period of your medical recovery.
While you are medically recovering from your injury or illness, you may not be able to perform your usual and customary work duties. Temporarily modifying your work duties may allow you to continue to work, maintaining your income and preserving your Sick Leave and Vacation accrual balances.
Transitional Work plans are individually designed and carefully structured.
What if my injury permanently prevents me from returning to my job? -Top-
If your injury permanently prevents you from returning to your usual and customary occupation, you may be eligible for Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits. Sedgwick Risk Services will advise you of your potential eligibility.
The staff of Disability Management Services is available to assist you in exploring modified or alternative work at UCSF.
UCSF employees who leave their jobs due to disability may have special selection privileges under policy and contract which provide assistance in looking for alternative work within UCSF.
Where can I get information about Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits? -Top-
If you have filed a claim, ask your Sedgwick Claims Administrator at
You can also call Disability Management Services at
Who do I contact about workplace safety? -Top-
Contact Environmental Health & Safety at
Who do I contact if I need an ergonomic workstation assessment? -Top-
BEFORE INJURY (PREVENTION)
Environmental Health & Safety at (415) 476-1300.
If your workstation is a computer workstation, you can conduct your own assessment using our Ergonomics Training CD-ROM.
You can also use the OSHA eTool for Computer Workstation ergonomics on the OHSA web site.
AFTER INJURY
Report the injury to your supervisor, and contact Sedgwick CMS at
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your individual situation, you can call Disability Management Services at (415) 476-2621.
What should I do if my claim is denied? -Top-
Contact the Benefits & Financial Planning Division at
Who do I contact about my Temporary Disability payments? -Top-
Sedgwick CMS 510-302-3180
How much are the Temporary Disability payments? -Top-
While you are off work recovering from your injury or illness, you will receive Temporary Disability (TD) payments from Sedgwick CMS.
Temporary Disability partially replaces lost wages. It is always less than 100% of your regular earnings. The amount of the TD benefit depends on your average weekly earnings at the time you were injured and upon maximums set by law.
You can elect to use your Sick Leave, or both your Sick Leave and your Vacation Leave to supplement the TD payments bring you up to a total income of 100% of your regular earnings.
When will I receive the first temporary disability (TD) payment? -Top-
You should receive your first Temporary Disability payment within 14 days.
How often are Temporary Disability payments made? -Top-
Temporary Disability is paid every two weeks.
When do Temporary Disability payments end? -Top-
TD payments end when:
You return to work, or
Your medical condition stabilizes.
Who do I contact about my UCSF Paycheck? -Top-
Ask your supervisor or your department's Payroll representative.
If you or your department need more information, contact:
Campus Payroll: (415) 476-6801
Can I use my Sick Leave & Vacation Leave while receiving Temporary Disability payments? -Top-
Yes. You can elect to use Sick Leave, or both Sick Leave & Vacation Leave, to supplement Workers' Compensation payments. You do this by filling out the ESL Option Form.
See PPSM 44 Work-Incurred Illness and Injury or the similarly named section of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that pertains to you.
The policy also discusses the Extended Sick Leave supplement.
How much of my Sick Leave or Vacation Leave will I use? -Top-
Because Temporary Disability is partially replacing your lost wages, you do not need to use as much Sick Leave or Vacation Leave as you usually would. How much you use will depend on how much you receive in W/C Temporary Disability.
What personnel policy addresses WC, Sick Leave, & Vacation Leave? -Top-
PPSM 44.
The policy also discusses the Extended Sick Leave supplement.
What is Extended Sick Leave? -Top-
Extended Sick Leave is a benefit that supplements workers' compensation temporary disability (TD) payments once Sick Leave is exhausted. It supplements TD to 80% of regular wages plus shift differential for a maximum of twenty-six (26) weeks.
For more information, see: PPSM.
Which does Extended Sick Leave pay: 80% or less than 80% of regular earnings? -Top-
ESL does not pay 80% of your regular earnings. It pays less than 80%.
See How much does Extended Sick Leave pay? for a full description.
How much does Extended Sick Leave pay? -Top-
Extended Sick Leave supplements Temporary Disability, so that the sum of the two is equal to 80% of your regular earnings.
Here is the formula:
For example:
If you usually earn $3,000 per month, and Sedgwick pays you $2,000 in TD for that month, then the University will calculate the Extended Sick Leave owed to you as follows:
80% of Regular Earnings = (.80)*(3,000) = $2,400.
TD paid by Sedgwick = $2,000.
ESL owed = $2,400 - $2,000 = $400.
For that month, you will receive $2,000 in TD from Ocatgon, and $400 in ESL from the University. Your total income will therefore be $2,400 which is 80% of your regular earnings of $3,000.
How will I be paid while I am off of work due to a disability? -Top-
If your claim is ACCEPTED by Sedgwick:
- Sedgwick will send you a disability (TD) check every two weeks.
- You can use your Sick Leave, or your Sick Leave and Vacation Leave, to supplement the TD check up to 100% of your regular earnings. Fill out the: ESL Option form.
- If your Sick Leave, or your Sick Leave and Vacation Leave, runs out, and you are still disabled, you may be eligible for Extended Sick Leave benefits which will supplement your TD checks up to 80% of your regular earnings for a maximum of twenty-six (26) weeks. Fill out the: ESL Option form.
- If Extended Sick Leave benefits run out, and you are still disabled, call the Benefits & Financial Planning Office at
(415) 476-1400. You may be eligible for UC Supplemental Disability benefits through Liberty Mutual to supplement your TD check, and you may be eligible to have the full cost of your Medical insurance premium paid by the University's Contingency Fund. You should also contact the Payroll Office to make arrangements to pay the premiums for your Dental and Optical insurance.
- Call the Benefits & Financial Planning Office at
(415) 476-1400. You may be eligible for UC Supplemental Disability payments through Liberty Mutual until Sedgwick CMS makes a decision on your claim.
- Call the Benefits & Financial Planning Office at
(415) 476-1400. You may be eligible for UC Supplemental Disability through Liberty Mutual.
How will I be paid if I am disabled part-time? -Top-
You may be entitled to Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) payments from Sedgwick CMS. If so, this will pay a portion of your wage-loss while working on a part-time schedule:
- The University will pay you for the time you work.
- If eligible, Sedgwick will pay you TPD benefits.
- Sick Leave, or Sick Leave and Vacation, can supplement the above up to 100%.
- Afterwards, Extended Sick Leave can supplement the above up to 80%.
- Afterwards, UC Supplemental Disability may supplement the above. Call the Benefits & Financial Planning office at
(415) 476-1400 to see if you are eligible.
How do I fill out my timesheet? -Top-
You fill out your timesheet as you normally would, using hours of Sick Leave for your lost time.
Each month, your department's Payroll Processor will reconcile your timesheet, based on any workers' compensation payments made by Sedgwick CMS.
If your claim has been accepted by Sedgwick, and you elected to use both Sick Leave and Vacation Leave to supplement the workers' compensation payments made by Sedgwick, you can begin to use your Vacation Leave hours once your Sick Leave hours run out.
If your claim has been delayed by Sedgwick, you are not automatically permitted to use your Vacation Leave. You must obtain the approval of your department.
If your claim has been denied by Sedgwick, follow your departments usual procedures.
Do I use Sick Leave to attend medical visits? -Top-
You fill out your timesheet as you normally would, using hours of Sick Leave for your lost time.
Each month, your department's Payroll Processor will reconcile your timesheet, based on any workers' compensation payments made by Sedgwick CMS.
If your claim has been accepted by Sedgwick, and you elected to use both Sick Leave and Vacation Leave to supplement the workers' compensation payments made by Sedgwick, you can begin to use your Vacation Leave hours once your Sick Leave hours run out.
If your claim has been delayed by Sedgwick CMS, you are not automatically permitted to use your Vacation Leave. You must obtain the approval of your department.
If your claim has been denied by Sedgwick, follow your departments usual procedures.
Do I use Sick Leave for the three day waiting period? -Top-
Yes. Temporary Disability is usually not paid for the first three days of disability.
You must use your Sick Leave. If you do not have sufficient Sick Leave to cover the entire three days, and if you are eligible for Extended Sick Leave, then Extended Sick Leave will apply to the remainder of the three days, and will pay you at 80% of your regular earnings, even though Temporary Disability is not being paid.
Will all my Sick Leave be reimbursed or only part? -Top-
Only part of your Sick Leave is reimbursed.
Workers' Compensation partially replaces lost wages. It always pays less than 100%. So, reimbursements to Sick Leave are always less than 100%.
Will I continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave while off work? -Top-
While using Sick Leave to supplement Temporary Disability payments:
- You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate.
- The accruals are credited to you immediately, and you can use them as soon as you accrue them.
- If you separate from the University without returning to work:
- Vacation Leave accrued in this period is paid to you.
- Sick Leave accrued in this period is not paid to you.
- You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate.
- The accruals are credited to you immediately, and you can use them as soon as you accrue them.
- If you separate from the University without returning to work:
- Vacation Leave accrued in this period is paid to you.
- Sick Leave accrued in this period is not paid to you.
- You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate.
- The accruals are credited to you upon your return to work, and you can use them after you return to work.
- If you separate from the University without returning to work:
- Vacation Leave accrued in this period is paid to you.
- Sick Leave accrued in this period is not paid to you.
- You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate.
- The accruals are credited to you upon your return to work, and you can use them after you return to work.
- If you separate from the University without returning to work:
- Vacation Leave accrued in this period not paid to you.
- Sick Leave accrued in this period is not paid to you.
How will being on Temporary Disability affect my retirement service credit? -Top-
While using Sick Leave to supplement the Temporary Disability payments, you continue to earn retirement service credit at your regular rate.
While using Vacation Leave to supplement the Temporary Disability payments, you continue to earn retirement service credit at your regular rate.
While using Extended Sick Leave to supplement the Temporary Disability payments, you earn retirement service credit at 80% of your regular rate.
After Extended Sick Leave runs out, while you are on Leave of Absence Without Pay, you do not earn retirement service credit.
How will my Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums be paid? -Top-
While Sick Leave is supplementing the TD checks from Sedgwick, all contributions to your Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums continue as usual.
While Vacation Leave is supplementing the TD checks from Sedgwick, all contributions to your Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums continue as usual.
While Extended Sick Leave is supplementing the TD checks from Sedgwick, all contributions to your Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums continue as usual.
However, after the twenty-six (26) weeks of Extended Sick Leave runs out, your department will place you on Leave of Absence Without Pay, and alternate arrangements must be made to assure that payment of your Health insurance premiums continues. If you continue to be a University employee, continue to be disabled, and continue to receive workers' compensation Temporary Disability benefits from Sedgwick CMS, then:
- Medical Premium:
The University will continue to pay its contribution to your Medical premium. In addition, the University will begin to pay that portion of your Medical premium that you were previously paying through deductions from your paycheck. In other words, the University will begin to pay the full cost of your Medical insurance premium. - Dental Premium:
You must call the Payroll Office and make arrangements to pay the full cost of your Dental premium, if you wish that insurance coverage to continue. - Optical Premium:
You must call the Payroll Office and make arrangements to pay the full cost of your Optical premium, if you wish that insurance coverage to continue.
The Contingency Fund is the fund the University uses to pay your portion of your Medical premium after Extended Sick Leave has run out. See How will my Medical, Dental, and Optical premiums be paid?
The Contingency Fund is managed by the UC Office of the President. Each month your department writes a memorandum to the Benefits & Financial Planning department, who contact the Office of the President and request that your Medical premium be paid for another month.
Who do I contact about my insurance premiums? -Top-
Contact Benefits & Financial Planning at
Who do I contact about the Contingency Fund? -Top-
Contact Benefits & Financial Planning at
Who do I contact about my retirment service credit? -Top-
Contact Benefits & Financial Planning at
Who do I contact about other UCSF insurance plans? -Top-
Contact Benefits & Financial Planning at
What is Transitional Work? -Top-
Transitional Work is a temporary, medically approved modification of your work duties during the transitional period of your medical recovery.
While you are medically recovering from your injury or illness, you may not be able to perform your usual and customary work duties. Temporarily modifying your work duties may allow you to continue to work, maintaining your income and preserving your Sick Leave and Vacation accrual balances.
Transitional Work plans are individually designed and carefully structured.
What if my injury permanently prevents me from returning to my job? -Top-
If your injury permanently prevents you from returning to your usual and customary occupation, you may be eligible for Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits. Sedgwick Risk Services will advise you of your potential eligibility.
The staff of Disability Management Services is available to assist you in exploring modified or alternative work at UCSF.
UCSF employees who leave their jobs due to disability may have special selection privileges under policy and contract which provide assistance in looking for alternative work within UCSF.
Where can I get information about Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits? -Top-
If you have filed a claim, ask your Sedgwick Claims Administrator at
You can also call Disability Management Services at
Who do I contact about workplace safety? -Top-
Contact Environmental Health & Safety at
Who do I contact if I need an ergonomic workstation assessment? -Top-
BEFORE INJURY (PREVENTION)
Environmental Health & Safety at (415) 476-1300.
If your workstation is a computer workstation, you can conduct your own assessment using our Ergonomics Training CD-ROM.
You can also use the OSHA eTool for Computer Workstation ergonomics on the OHSA web site.
AFTER INJURY
Report the injury to your supervisor, and contact Sedgwick CMS at
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your individual situation, you can call Disability Management Services at (415) 476-2621.