I had a C-Section on March 28th along with a Tubal Ligation and abdominal hernia repair and am currently out on STD. My doctor has given me a "Return to Work Date" of May 30th which is 9 Weeks after my surgery. I just received a letter from the company that I work for stating that they have denied my disability benefits as of May 8th (which is 6 weeks) and I will not be paid. Can they deny benefits when your doctor will not allow you to return to work because in their medical opinion I am not able to perform my job duties.

Is this a company sponsored salary continuation plan, or a true insurance policy? If it is the former, and your company only pays for 6 weeks, it is perfectly legal to limit how long they pay. If it is the latter, it depends entirely on the plan and what is submitted. The plan documents should have an an appeal procedure outlined.

Don't know if this will help or not....if this is an insurance policy call them and bring attention to this being a maternity leave plus other health condition which extended the leave. I've had this happen where the insurance pays a standard 6-wk or 8-wk maternity leave and then any additional leave (for a complication or additional medical reason) required additional medical documentation.

As Elle pointed out -- if this is a company salary continuation plan, this won't help you.