In 2015, 5.2 million people in New Jersey had at least 1 chronic disease, 2 million had 2 or more chronic diseases. This petition is to modify New Jersey's programs to include those with chronic conditions.  

Problem Statement: Individuals with chronic conditions are excluded from short-term disability payments and Family Leave Act payments. 

Background: New Jersey offers paid Family Leave either on a continuous or intermittent basis for a family member's serious medical conditions. New Jersey's short-term disability program covers individuals with their own medical problem, but only in instances where leave extends beyond 7 days. Individuals with chronic conditions such as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, which are characterize by episodic flare-ups, are not covered under either program. 

Exclusion Impact: With an average of 10 days paid vacation time and 5 days paid sick time, on an accrual basis, sufferers may find themselves in an unpaid work scenario, putting their annual earnings below acceptable cost of living levels. 

Proposal:

1. Under NJ's short-term disability program, waive the 7-day waiting period for individuals with chronic conditions. Modify the 7-day period to be cumulative, instead of each instance, for a period of up to 4 weeks.   

OR

2. Permit those with their own serious medical condition that require intermittent time off to be covered under the paid FLA program, for a period of up to 4 weeks. 

Eligibility Criteria:

1. History of unpaid time off due to a chronic condition over three years;

2. Doctor's certification; and

3. Time approved is an average of the person's historical time-off over the 3-year period.

4. Hourly paid worker making less than $25/hr.

Outcome: Provides for inclusion of those who suffer from a chronic condition and provides financial assistance to those who need it most.