Disability Insurance Overview
Our disability insurance is provided by Unum.
Disability insurance provides essential financial protection by replacing a portion of your income if you become unable to work due to illness or injury. This benefit helps ensure you can maintain your financial stability and meet your ongoing expenses during a challenging time.
Types of Disability Coverage
Short-Term Disability (STD)
- Provides income replacement for temporary disabilities
- Up to 26 weeks
- 60% of weekly earnings
- Covers illnesses, injuries, and recovery periods
Long-Term Disability (LTD)
- Provides income replacement for extended disabilities
- Until age 65 or return to work
- 60% of monthly earnings
- Covers long-term illnesses, serious injuries, and chronic conditions
Coordination Between Plans
- Short-term disability may transition to long-term coverage
- Elimination periods and waiting requirements may apply
- Benefits coordinate with other income sources
- Seamless transition processes for continued coverage
What Qualifies as a Disability
Medical Conditions
- Serious illnesses requiring extended recovery time
- Chronic conditions affecting work performance
- Mental health conditions impacting job function
- Injuries from accidents or workplace incidents
Functional Limitations
- Inability to perform essential job functions
- Cognitive impairments affecting work capacity
- Physical limitations preventing normal duties
- Progressive conditions with declining abilities
Definition Standards
- Own Occupation: Unable to perform your specific job duties
- Any Occupation: Unable to perform any job for which you're qualified
- Plan-specific definitions and requirements
- Medical evidence and documentation standards
Eligibility Requirements
Employment Criteria
- 90 days of employment
- Active employment status at time of disability
- Minimum work hours or employment duration
- Completion of waiting periods if applicable
Medical Requirements
- Physician certification of disability
- Ongoing medical documentation and updates
- Treatment compliance and follow-up requirements
- Functional capacity evaluations when requested
Participation Requirements
- Automatic enrollment for eligible employees
- Premium contributions if employee-paid portions apply
- Timely submission of required forms and documentation
- Cooperation with claims review and evaluation processes
Filing a Disability Claim
Step 1: Initial Notification
- Contact Unum as soon as possible
- Notify your supervisor and HR department
- Report claims within 30 days of disability
- Gather initial medical documentation
Step 2: Complete Claim Forms
- Employee Statement: Your account of the disability and limitations
- Employer Statement: Work duties, attendance, and employment details
- Physician Statement: Medical diagnosis, treatment, and functional limitations
- Additional forms as required by your specific plan
Step 3: Medical Documentation
- Detailed medical records and test results
- Treatment plans and prescribed therapies
- Functional capacity assessments
- Ongoing progress reports and updates
Step 4: Claim Review Process
- Claims reviewed within 45 days
- Medical review by insurance company professionals
- Possible independent medical examinations
- Determination and notification of claim decision
Managing Your Claim
Ongoing Requirements
- Regular medical updates and progress reports
- Compliance with prescribed treatment plans
- Participation in vocational rehabilitation if required
- Periodic reviews and reassessments
Return-to-Work Support
- Vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work support available
- Gradual return and accommodations
- Job modification and workplace adjustments
- Coordination with employer and medical providers
Communication
- Maintain regular contact with claims representatives
- Respond promptly to requests for information
- Keep detailed records of all interactions
- Report changes in condition or circumstances
Benefit Coordination
Other Income Sources
- Social Security Disability benefits
- Workers' compensation payments
- State disability benefits
- Other insurance policies or settlements
Integration Methods
- Benefits offset by Social Security and workers' compensation
- Offset calculations and adjustments
- Maximum benefit limitations
- Coordination with retirement and pension benefits
Tax Considerations
- Benefits may be taxable if premiums paid by employer
- Employer-paid vs. employee-paid premiums
- Taxable vs. non-taxable benefit payments
- Consultation with tax professionals recommended
Appealing a Claim Decision
Appeal Rights
- Right to appeal denied or reduced claims
- Appeals must be filed within 180 days of denial
- Multiple levels of appeal available
- Legal representation options
Appeal Process
- Submit written appeal with supporting documentation
- Additional medical evidence and expert opinions
- Independent review of claim files and decisions
- Final determination and resolution
Additional Resources
- Employee assistance programs for support
- Legal aid and advocacy organizations
- State insurance department resources
- Professional disability advocates
Getting Support
For questions about your disability insurance, filing claims, or understanding benefits:
Important Reminders
Preparation Tips
- Keep personal medical records organized and accessible
- Understand your job duties and physical requirements
- Know your policy details and benefit amounts
- Maintain relationships with healthcare providers
Best Practices
- Report disabilities promptly and honestly
- Follow prescribed treatment plans consistently
- Communicate regularly with all parties involved
- Keep detailed records of medical care and expenses
Planning Considerations
- Consider supplemental disability insurance if needed
- Build emergency savings for elimination periods
- Understand how benefits coordinate with other coverage
- Review and update beneficiary information regularly
Your disability insurance provides crucial financial protection during difficult times. Take the time to understand your coverage and know how to access benefits when you need them most.
