Disability Benefits

OPTIONAL EMPLOYEE-PAID STD AND LTD “BUY UP”

If you earn more than $51,429 per year, 70% of your annual base salary will exceed the $3,000 per month disability benefits threshold. You may choose to buy additional STD and/or LTD coverage to replace your income if you reach this maximum. You still will receive a 70% benefit, but up to a maximum of $4,000, $5,000 or $8,000 (LTD only) per month, depending on the benefit you are eligible to receive and the selection you choose.

Other information about the “buy up” provision:

This option to elect to “buy up” is only available at the time of hire or during the open enrollment period.

Your cost is based on your age and your salary.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITION LIMITATIONS FOR LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE

There is a five-day pre-existing condition limitation for employees who elect LTD coverage for the first time or elect to increase their coverage during an open enrollment period. For new enrollees, conditions that existed within 30 days prior to the insured’s effective date will not be covered at an increased level if a disability begins during the first five days of coverage.

The College offers short-term and long-term disability benefits to help replace a portion of your income if you become ill or injured and are unable to work.

The College pays for short-term disability (STD) benefits that replace 70% of your annual base salary to a maximum of $3,000 per month in the event of a disabling injury or illness. STD is payable after your sick and vacation leave has been exhausted, or 60 calendar days from the last day worked, whichever is longer.

The maximum benefit period will not exceed 12 months from the last day worked due to disability or six months of receiving benefits, whichever occurs first. Appropriate paperwork, including physician certification, must be filed and approved for STD payments to begin. Benefits will be coordinated with OPERS, STRS, Workers’ Compensation and Social Security benefits. If your income is more than $51,429, you have the opportunity to “buy up” STD coverage. See the sidebar for more information about buy-up options.

Long-term disability (LTD) benefits ensure a source of continued income after STD benefits end. If your income is more than $51,429, you have the opportunity to elect to buy up LTD coverage. See the sidebar for more information about buy-up options.

OPERS/STRS Participants

The College pays for LTD benefits that replace 70% of your annual base salary to a maximum of $3,000 per month. LTD benefits are payable at the end of the STD benefit payment period unless paid leave exceeds 12 months from the last day worked due to disability. LTD benefits are coordinated with OPERS, STRS, Workers’ Compensation and Social Security benefits.

ARP Participants

You have the option to participate in the LTD benefit at your own expense on a voluntary basis. LTD benefits replace 70% of your annual base salary to a maximum of $3,000, $4,000, $5,000 or $8,000 per month depending on your annual base salary. LTD benefits are payable at the end of the STD benefit payment period unless paid leave exceeds 12 months from the last day worked due to disability. LTD benefits will be coordinated with OPERS, STRS, Workers’ Compensation and Social Security benefits.