This document describes when long-term disability coverage and benefits begin, lists maximum benefit periods, and describes when coverage and benefits end.
There is a one-year waiting period for long-term disability coverage. Coverage begins on the first day following one year of full-time service provided the employee is actively at work. Being on vacation or jury duty is considered being "actively at work" for eligibility purposes. If the employee is not actively at work on that date, he or she will become eligible on the day after being actively at work for one full day in an eligible class. This may be affected by a break-in-service. Refer to the "Break-in-Service" section below.
Long-term disability coverage ends on the last day of full-time employment.
Benefits begin on the first day following 180 consecutive days of a certified total disability, or when full-time sick leave benefits end, whichever comes later.
Long-term disability benefits end when the employee is no longer disabled or when the maximum allowable benefit period is reached (see following section).
The length of time benefits are paid during a certified total disability depends on the employee’s age when the disability began. The following chart shows the periods during which Long-Term Disability benefits are paid.
Age When Disability Begins |
Maximum Benefit Period |
under 60 |
to age 65 |
at least 60, but under 65 |
5 years |
at least 65, but under 68 1/2 |
to age 70 |
68 1/2 and over |
1 year |
Note: At the time long-term disability benefits end, central office will send a letter to the participant outlining the status of his or her benefits.
If a break-in-service of four months or more occurs prior to meeting the one-year waiting period, a new waiting period must be met.
Note: In the event of a break-in-service of less than four months, the time an employee was on the payroll prior to the break will be counted toward the one-year waiting period.
If an employee becomes ineligible for coverage after meeting the one-year waiting period, but returns to eligible full-time employment within one year, coverage is reinstated on the date the employee returns. If the employee returns after a one-year break-in-service, a new waiting period must be met.
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