PROCEDURES FOR FILING FOR LONG-TERM DISABILITY
Qualifications: Three years of continuous, full-time service in a regular position at Indiana State University.
To be eligible for benefits, you must be unable to work as a result of sickness or injury for at least 180 days (waiting period). Also, you must provide medical information supporting your claim of disability to Hartford who will make the determination of disability.
Leave time usage: While you are unable to work, you should file for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act which provides job protection for serious health conditions (paid or unpaid) for up to 12 weeks. You may use accrued sick leave/vacation/convenience day balances until the disability approval date. If leave balances are exhausted before the end of the waiting period, you may request a medical leave without pay for no more than three months. Payment of sick leave may not exceed six calendar months of use or extend beyond disability effective date.
To file for Hartford, the following information will be needed:
· Name, address, phone number and Social Security Number
· Date of hire and Supervisor’s name and phone number, and email address
· ISU as the employer @ 210 North 7th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809
· The first date you were unable to work and diagnosis, etc.
· Name, address and phone number of physicians; date last seen, date to see next
· Names/dosage of prescription drugs
More information will be requested later. You can print the application from Hartford and complete the employee's portion and then contact Staff Benefits for an appointment. (237-4151)
You should also call Social Security Administration (800-772-1213) or locally at 812-232-6690 to file for social security disability. This can be handled entirely by phone and mail if you wish. Each time you receive a Social Security decision, forward a copy to Hartford. If denied, call Social Security for an appeal—eventually you may need a hearing which should be pursued to ensure maximum benefits.
Hartford Benefits paid: If approved, an income payment of 66.67 per cent* of the base appointment salary earned at the time disability commences. Base salary does not include summer pay, stipends, one-time-only payments, overtime or any other additional payments. *The guarantee of 66.67 per cent of income is from all sources funded by ISU (Social Security, Indiana Public Employees’ or State Teachers’ Retirement Fund and worker’s compensation payments/PPI settlements. The minimum payment from Hartford is $100 per month. Income payments continue until:
--you are able to work, or
--you reach age 65, if disabled prior to age 60, or
--you have received 4-1/2 years of benefits if disabled after age 60 but before age 65, or
--you reach age 70, if disabled after age 65 but before 68-1/2, or
--you have received one year of benefits if disabled after age 68-1/2.
Along with the income payment from Hartford, a contribution will be made (by Hartford) into a retirement annuity on your behalf while you are disabled. When disability income payments cease, this annuity could be used for income.
Health/Life Insurance Coverage: You must have 20 or more years of service to be eligible to retain the University health coverage and a portion of the life insurance coverage as a disability retirement. If approved for disability with the University’s disability carrier with less then 20 years of service, your employment status is that of involuntary separation due to disability. Individuals with less than 20 years of service may NOT keep the University-sponsored health or life insurance coverage beyond the effective date of the disability. COBRA continuation benefits would be offered for health coverage. Conversion coverage may be offered for life insurance coverage with rates based upon age. Portability will be offered for voluntary life insurance. You must file for conversion and/or portability coverage within 31 days of leaving ISU life/voluntary life insurance coverage.
If approved for Social Security Disability, after 24 months of paid benefits, Medicare parts A and B are automatically available. (Renal failure disability may have an earlier Medicare effective date.) If you receive Social Security disability prior to leaving ISU, you must provide a copy of your award to Staff Benefits for COBRA purposes. Failure to do so may result in a loss of COBRA continued health coverage rights.
Your employment status: Your job is not held after the effective date of disability. There are not future rights to a job at Indiana State University should your medical condition improve. LTD