Who is eligible for the Long-Term Disability Plan?
You are eligible to enroll in the plan after being on short-term disability
(STD) for 90 consecutive calendar days. You must also be appointed to
regular employment of 50% time or more on a continuing or fixed-term basis
for at least six consecutive months (four months for bargaining unit).
How much do I pay for the LTD plan?
Nothing. Stanford pays the full cost.
How much does the LTD plan pay and how often do participants get paid?
The LTD plan pays 66-2/3% of your weekly salary. If your claim is approved, you will be paid monthly.
Can I still do remain on salary continuation?
No. After the 90th day of disability you may not remain on salary continuation. Starting
the 91st day you may supplement the additional 1/3 of your salary
if you still have accrued time off available.
Where do my checks come from when I am on LTD?
While you are on LTD you will receive LTD checks from Unum Provident. You will also continue to receive your short-term disability check directly from Unum Provident for a maximum of 52 weeks. The 1/3 supplement is paid through Stanford payroll on the 7th and 22nd of the month.
When should I file a claim?
You should receive a letter and a LTD application from Unum Provident
around your 70th day on STD.
How do I apply for LTD?
You and your doctor must complete the LTD application received from Unum Provident. Return the application to Unum Provident.
Are my LTD payments taxable?
Yes. Long term disability benefits are taxable for state and federal
purposes but not for FICA.
Is there any reason why I might not get my full 2/3 pay from
the LTD?
Yes. Benefits can be offset (reduced) by STD benefits, WC benefits, Social
Security income (disability, old age, dependent benefits), Retirement
plan (at age 65 or older or age 55 for Police Officers), and other group
LTD benefits.
How long can I be on LTD?
If your doctor continues to certify you disabled from your job, you can
be out for an initial 15-month period. After this 15-month period, you
will be considered disabled only if you are completely unable, due to
same illness or injury, to perform the duties of any job or occupation
for which you are either qualified or can reasonably become qualified
by past or further training, experience, or education. If you are still
totally disabled your LTD could continue until age 65. [See duration of
benefits table in the Health & Welfare Benefits Summary Plan Description for schedule for employees going on LTD after age 61. This booklet is
also available at the Benefits Office, 655 Serra Street.]
Who is the disability administrator?
Unum Provident is our administrator. They can be reached at 1-866-705-7811.
If I come back to work for three months after being on LTD and then
go out on LTD again for the same diagnosis, is it a continuous or a new
claim? Is this considered the same initial 15-month disability period?
As long as you were back at work less than twelve months before your
current disablement, then it is considered a continuous claim. The date
you went out on your current disability starts a new 15-month initial
disability period.
Who do I contact for further information?
