Money does not grow on trees, unfortunately. And it seems that everyone complains of not having enough. There cannot be enough stress put on the fact that we all need to save “for a rainy day,” more than we are. In case we are removed from payroll due to a catastrophic illness or injury, there are some things you can you to help ease the pain. This brochure is primarily for members who have a problem that is not service connected. Illnesses or injuries that are sustained and caused you to burn all your sick and vacation time balances and you are now left with the risk of being placed off payroll.
When you are off payroll, you are not making pension payments, not paying into your health insurance and will shortly lose your health, hospitalization and prescription, vision and dental benefits. This is why it is important to stay on payroll.
First, you should request that your Captain/Division commander approve your request for “Advanced Time.” This is 22 days of YOUR future leaves; 10 days A/L, 12 days S/L . Your Captain/Division commander approves this, and sends it to Personnel for action,; this is a “3.4 grant.”
Second, if you have more than 10 years of service, you qualify to apply for a “Catastrophic Grant” or “3.5 Grant” of up to 90 calendar days granted at the discretion of Personnel. With this grant, you are given a gift of time that does not need to be re-paid. You need to write your Captain/Division commander a letter with supporting medical documentation, get his endorsement and have it forwarded to Personnel for approval.
You can contact the Honor Emergency Fund for financial assistance. They review your financial situation and make a presentation to their Board to grant you financial help. It is always appreciated that when you are back on your feet, that you return the favor and pay them back. Look at it like an interest free loan. They do not have to do this, and the gesture is appreciated. This office can also assist you in paying COBRA, which is the insurance premiums you will have to pay if you lose your insurance. You have two (2) COBRA payments to make, the FDNY for your major medical and DC37 for your prescriptions. You need to contact each one and discuss what options you want and the costs. Beware, they can be costly. You should consider SLOAC; and FMLA depending on your needs. SLOAC extends your health insurance coverage.
You can request assistance of the Local and the FDNY Personnel Office to obtain Donated Sick Leave offered by your fellow co-workers. The Union can help you solicit the donations and the process to collect it.
DC37 also has two ways to assist members; the Temporary Disability Benefit Form and through EAP. The Temporary Disability Benefits Form is available at the Local or through DC 37. This form will give you about $200 per week for 6 months. They do not pay out under certain circumstances, LODI, Worker’s Comp, and No Fault Accidents. If they do not offer you money, they can extend your medical coverage. This is the form to use for pregnancy/delivery as well. The EAP program will offer you a donation. What they give you, the Local will match. You can also seek assistance from the Good & Welfare Fund from the Local.
