Text Version:  Claiming Sickness Benefits

• Secure and complete employee's portion of sickness application.
• Have doctor complete doctor's portion promptly.
• Mail form to the Board in Chicago within 7 days of becoming sick or injured.
• Claim forms then mailed to employee and returned to local district office.

Notes:

• Applications received after 10 days but within 30 days of first day for which employee wishes to claim benefits are generally considered timely filed if there is a good reason for the delay.
• Claims must be received at the Board within 30 days of the last day of the claim period, or within 30 days of the date the claim form was mailed to the claimant, whichever is later.
• Initial sickness claim must begin with 4 consecutive days of sickness and contain at least 5 days of sickness in order to satisfy waiting period.
• Most delays in sickness benefit payments occur because doctors do not complete and submit forms promptly. This applies to the initial doctor’s form, as well as subsequent forms needed to continue payments.
• Claimants automatically enrolled in Direct Deposit. Waivers available if a hardship would occur or individual does not have bank account.
• Claimants cannot currently file sickness applications or claims over the Internet but the Board is planning to add online filing of sickness claims in the future.