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Disability

If You Are Unable to Work

Disability insurance through MetLife is a cost-effective way to protect your income when you are unable to work due to illness or injury.  

Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage

Below is a brief summary of the USG Short-term Disability (STD) and Long-term Disability (LTD) plans. For specific details, refer to the STD and LTD Summary Plan Document.

Short-Term Disability (STD)
  • Provides a benefit of 60% of your weekly earnings to a maximum of $2,500 per week.
  • Benefits begin on the 15th day of a qualifying disability and continue for a maximum of 11 weeks.
  • Evidence of Insurability (EOI) is required unless you are enrolling as a newly hired employee within 30 days of employment. Note: If you are newly hired and pregnant, STD benefits are payable.
  • Cost of coverage: Refer to the Employee Premiums section.

 

Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Provides a benefit of 60% of your monthly earnings to a maximum of $15,000 per month.
  • Benefits begin on the 91st day of disability or at the end of your STD benefits.
  • Benefits continue as long as you meet the definition of “disabled” under the policy or reach age 70.
  • No EOI is required.
  • Cost of coverage: Refer to the Employee Premiums section.

Exclusion: No benefits are payable under the plan for any disability due to a condition in which you had any medical treatment, consultation, care or services, took prescription medication or had medications prescribed in the three months prior to enrollment or if you have been actively at work for less than 12 consecutive months after the date your coverage takes effect.

Income During the Elimination Period

You may use your available paid time off for salary continuation during the time before disability plan payments begin. Once you are approved to receive STD or LTD payments, your sick and vacation time can be saved for future use, but not combined with payments from disability plans.

In addition to paid time off, USG also offers three weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees. Paid parental leave may be used during the STD elimination period, but not at the same time as STD.  

See your campus HR/Benefits Office for more information.

How to File a Claim

To get started, speak with your Campus HR/Benefits Office to discuss your disability options. Next, initiate a claim by logging in to your MetLife account or downloading the MetLife App.  

For more information and to file a claim, log into the MetLife website. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between STD and LTD insurance?

    STD replaces a portion of your income starting on the 15th day of a qualifying disability and continuing for a maximum of 11 weeks.

    LTD replaces a portion of your income for an extended period of time. Benefits begin on the 91st day of disability or at the end of your STD benefits. Benefits continue as long as you meet the definition of “disabled” under the policy or reach age 70.  

  • What happens to my benefits if I am on STD or LTD?

    Your benefits will continue while you are on disability as long as you continue to pay for them. Speak with your campus HR/Benefits Office to discuss your options pertaining to your disability. 

  • How do I pay for Disability insurance?

    While you are actively working, premiums will be conveniently paid through payroll deduction, so you don’t have to worry about writing a check or missing a payment. 

  • What if I choose not to have Disability insurance?

    Without disability coverage, you may need to use your savings or tap into other assets to cover your essential living expenses while you are recovering from an accident or illness. 

  • When can I enroll?

    STD

    It is easiest to enroll when you first become eligible. As long as you enroll within 30 days of employment, Evidence of Insurability (EOI) is not required. If you enroll at any other time, including during Open Enrollment, EOI will be required.

    LTD

    You can enroll in LTD when you first become eligible, within 30 days of employment, or during a subsequent Open Enrollment period. EOI is not required. However, you may be subject to pre-existing plan exclusions for 12 months from the date you elect the plan.  

    See the Plan Document for more information.  

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