Non-work Related Disability
Definition
An employee with a non-work related disability may be eligible for benefits if the employee is unable to work. The two disability plans available are the Short-term Disability Plan (formerly the University Paid Disability Plan) and the Supplemental Disability Plan (formerly the Employee Paid Disability Plan). Both plans are administered by Liberty Mutual. For pregnancy disability, please see the Pregnancy Disability Leave section.
Application
All employees are automatically enrolled in the Short-term Disability Plan when they become eligible. There is no cost to the employee. However, an employee must enroll in the Supplemental Disability Plan if the employee wants coverage. In addition, the employee must pay the full cost of monthly premiums for Supplemental Disability.
Both the Short-term and Supplemental Disability Plans are designed to protect an employee against a total or partial disability which may adversely affect earning power. Both plans provide a partial income replacement benefit if the employee is unable to work due to a disability covered by the plan. The Supplemental Disability Plan supplements the disability coverage available to the employee through the Short-term Disability Plan and provides coverage for disabilities that may have a long duration. While the Short-term Disability Plan is only for non-work related disabilities, the Supplemental Disability Plan can be used to supplement work-related injuries/illness.
Supervisor's Checklist
- If an employee is eligible for either of these two disability plans, please refer the employee to the Benefits & Financial Planning (B&FP) office in Human Resources for a claim packet. B&FP can assist the employee in applying for these benefits.
- The supervisor should also consider whether or not the employee is eligible for benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Please see the FMLA section for further details.
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Disability Benefits Claims Procedures
Disability (including Pregnancy Disability) and Termination of Employment Benefits Checklist