Long- and short-term disability

Contents of this page:
Long-term Disability Insurance
Short-term Disability Insurance

LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE

The University provides core long-term disability insurance equal to 60% of the annual benefit salary after a six-month waiting period – maximum monthly benefit $3,000, less the sum of the benefits from other sources (see note below). Three supplemental options are also available:

60% of covered monthly salary after a three-month waiting period;
70% of covered monthly salary after a six-month waiting period; or
70% of covered monthly salary after a three-month waiting period.

Each of the supplemental options also is subject to a $3,000 monthly maximum, minus the sum of the benefits from other sources (see note below).

Those electing a higher than University provided benefit must pay the difference with either excess benefit credits dollars or pretax payroll deduction. All employees must be enrolled in at least the core University provided benefit. Opt-outs are not permitted.

Monthly benefits are based on one-twelfth of annual benefits salary (exclusive of overload, summer contracts, etc.)

A pre-existing condition exclusion applies during the first 12 months to 24 months of coverage, depending on the coverage option selected.

Benefits start on the first day after elected waiting period. Benefits continue during a term of continuous, total disability until the following age or time limits:

Age when total disability starts	Age or time limit
Less than 61	to age 65 or 3½ years if longer
62	3½ years
63	3 years
64	2½ years
65	2 years
66	1 year, 9 months
67	1½ years
68	1 year, 3 months
69 or older	1 year

Benefits are not payable if the total disability is caused by:

an intentionally self-inflicted injury;
war, or
pre-existing condition.

Note: Other sources of benefits are defined to include University sick leave, workers’ compensation, Social Security and/or disability retirement benefits, benefits payable to you or your spouse or children based on your work or earnings.Disability is the complete inability to perform the regular occupation for 24 months after satisfaction of a six-month waiting period, or 27 months after satisfaction of a three-month waiting period. Thereafter, disability is the inability to perform any occupation.

SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE

The purpose of the Short-Term Disability (STD) plan is to help employees avoid or minimize the financial burdens that may result from an extended non-work related accident or illness.

The limits of the benefit are $100 per week to a maximum of $1,200 per week. The combination of benefits payable under the policy and other income benefits may not exceed 50 percent of your basic weekly income. After an accident, you are eligible for benefits after the 14th day. After a sickness, you are eligible after the 28th day. The maximum duration for short-term disability benefits is 24 weeks.

Eligibility — You are eligible if you are currently employed, work full-time (at least 40 hours per week) and have satisfied your waiting period.

“Basic weekly income” is defined as the weekly compensation you earn from your normal occupation from your employer. It does not include earnings from overtime, bonuses or any other form of extra pay

We will reduce the amount of your voluntary group STD payment by "other income benefits" payments you receive. "Other income benefits" include the amount of any disability income payments you receive under any state compulsory disability benefit law or the amount of any benefits you receive under any employer-sponsored income replacement plan, including any formal or informal sick leave or salary continuation program.

Your personal monthly premiums are based on your age. Premiums will increase in accordance with the applicable rate table as your age increases.

Voluntary group STD coverage is payroll deducted on an after-tax basis.

Should you go out on a disability, you will need to meet the policy requirements according to the plan, and you must submit a claim form before being approved for a disability benefit. Your benefit checks will be sent directly to your home on a bi-weekly basis. Benefits are payable for disabilities that result from non-occupational accidents or injuries.

Voluntary group STD has a “pre-existing conditions” exclusion — A pre-existing condition means a sickness or injury for which you have received treatment within 12 months before your effective date. Any disability contributed to or caused by a pre-existing condition within the first 12 months of your effective date will not be covered.

Partial disability provides youan opportunity through a combination of earnings and benefits to receive up to 100 percent of your pre-disability income. You are eligible for this benefit if your partial disability follows a period of total disability, which has continued for at least 30 days and you are earning less than 80 percent of your pre-disability income at the time the partial disability employment begins.

"Total disability" or "totally disabled" means that you are, as a result of injury or sickness unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your occupation.

Voluntary group short-term disability benefits are not payable for disabilities:

Due to injury or sickness arising out of, or in the course of any employment for wage or profit;

For which the insured is entitled to benefits under any workers’ compensation or similar law;

For any period during which the insured is not being regularly treated by a physician;

Due to any intentionally self-inflicted injury, suicide or attempted suicide, while sane or insane, or the voluntary taking of any drug unless taken as prescribed by a physician; or

Due to a bodily injury as a result of the commission of or an attempt to commit an assault or felony.

Denial of workers’ compensation will not result in the payment of benefits under the policy if the disability resulted from an occupational sickness or injury. Benefits are also not payable under the policy if the insured is entitled to participate in workers’ compensation and chooses not to do so.

This is not a policy of workers’ compensation insurance. The employer does not become a subscriber to the workers’ compensation system by purchasing this policy, and if the employer is a non-subscriber, the employer loses those benefits which would otherwise accrue under the workers’ compensation laws. The employer must comply with the workers’ compensation law as it pertains to non-subscribers and the required notifications that must be filed and posted.

How to enroll
Download and complete this enrollment form. You need to fill out only the areas shaded in yellow. Then return the form promptly to the Benefits Administration Office, the Administrative Services Building, Room 140 (+0602). Call 330-972-7092 with questions.

Please note
This information is only a product highlight. The policy has exclusions, limitations and reduction of benefits. Should any information on this page contradict plan documents, the plan documents shall prevail.

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