Updated April 7, 2016
Q) Why do employees need Long Term Disability ( LTD )?
A) LTD is an income replacement program for those employees who become disabled and are unable to work. Common disability reasons include injury, recuperation from surgery, major illness, and mental health issues. LTD helps you pay your mortgage, rent, and other bills and debt obligations when you don't have a salary coming in.
Q) What will I receive as a benefit if I'm an LTD member and become disabled?
A) You will receive 55% of your earnings up to a maximum of $10,000 per month on a tax free basis. The benefit will be offset by other income sources, such as Social Security Disability, Workers' Compensation, accumulated sick leave and retirement benefits..
Q) How does other income affect my LTD benefit?
A) The minimum monthly benefit, regardless of offsets (including Social Security disability, Workers’ Compensation, salary through a sick bank, and accumulated sick leave and retirement benefits), will be $100 or 10% of your gross monthly benefit amount, whichever is greater
Q) I have accumulated sick time, why would I need the Long Term Disability ( LTD ) program?
A) The LTD program's benefits begin after a 90-day waiting period. During the 90-day period, you may wish to use your sick time. After that time, if you have been approved for the benefit and you still have sick time you can use up the remainder of your sick time and collect the minimum benefit. Or, you can elect to not use your sick time and collect the maximum benefit:
Example:
Monthly salary $1,200 per month
Gross monthly benefit $1,200 x 55% = $660 per month
Less Workers Compensation -$300
Net Monthly Benefit $360
Q) How do I file an LTD claim?
A) Call Unum, the LTD carrier, at 1.877.226.8620 within 90 days of your disability to initiate your claim. The claim form Unum will send you includes sections that you, your physician and agency's GIC Coordinator must complete before mailing or faxing it back to Unum.
Q) When should I file my LTD claim?
A) If you become unable to work due to an illness or injury, do not wait to file your claim. As soon as you stop working and have been out of work for at least 45 days or are expected to be out at least 90 days, call Unum at 1-877-226-8620 Option 1. If you wait more than 180 days after your disability begins, you may not be eligible to receive benefits.
Q) Can I return to work and still be eligible for LTD benefits?
A) In many instances, you can still qualify for LTD benefits if you are working part time because of your illness or injury. If you are working part time and are unable to work at least 20% of your normal scheduled work hours, you may qualify. Call Unum to initiate a claim and to review your eligibility. If you are already receiving LTD benefits and your health care provider approves you to work part time, Unum will work with you and your provider to help you with the transition.
Q) If I am injured at work, can I file for LTD benefits?
A) Yes, LTD covers occupational and non-occupational illnesses and injuries. If you are collecting workers compensation, you are eligible to file for LTD as well.
Q) Are there any age limitations for collecting Long Term Disability benefits?
A) As long as you continue to meet the definition of disability, you will receive benefits according to the maximum period payable schedule:
| Age on Date Disability Commences | Maximum Period Payable |
| Age 61 or younger | To Your 65th birthday |
| Age 62 | 42 months |
| Age 63 | 36 months |
| Age 64 | 30 months |
| Age 65 | 24 months |
| Age 66 | 21 months |
| Age 67 | 18 months |
| Age 68 | 15 months |
| Age 69 or older | 12 months |
Q) I am a current LTD member, but have a pre-existing condition. Can I file a LTD claim?
A) If you have not been enrolled in the GIC's LTD program for more that 24 consecutive months, a pre-existing limitation applies. You have a pre-existing condition if you received medical treatment or services including diagnostic measures, or took prescribed drugs or medicines in the 12 months just prior to your effective date of coverage, and the disability for that same condition begins in the first 24 months after your effective date of coverage.
Q) Do I need to apply for LTD during the GIC's annual enrollment period?
A) All eligible state employees may apply for LTD at any time during the year. See the forms section of this site for the GIC's Enrollment/Change form to apply. You must provide evidence of good health. The GIC will notify Unum of your application and Unum will send you a medical form to complete and return. If approved by Unum, the GIC will notify you of your effective date.
Q) How do I cancel by LTD coverage?
A) See the forms section of this site for the GIC's Enrollment/Change form to cancel coverage. Cancellation effective dates are determined by the GIC upon receipt of completed form.
For additional information about the LTD Program, call Unum: 1.877.226.8620.
This information provided by the Group Insurance Commission .
