Long Term Disability FAQ
- How do I apply for Long-Term Disability?
- Do I have to stop working to apply for LTD?
- Do I have to use my accruals?
- What if I do not have enough accruals to receive pay for the 180 day waiting period?
- What about my health and dental insurances?
- How much will I be paid while on LTD?
- How long can I receive LTD benefits?
- What happens to my seniority while on LTD?
- Will I be an official retiree when disability ends?
- What if I recover and get released by my treating physician to return to work, will I come back to the University?
How do I apply for Long-Term Disability?
You can begin the process by contacting CIGNA Group Insurance either by calling 1.800.362.4462 or online at http://www.cigna.com/.
Do I have to stop working to apply for LTD?
Yes, you must be placed off work by your treating physician and there is an 180 day waiting period before LTD goes into effect, this waiting period starts on your first day off work.
Do I have to use my accruals?
Yes, you must exhaust all accruals if applying for LTD.
What if I do not have enough accruals to receive pay for the 180 day waiting period?
If you are Support Staff and have at least 60 FTEs or 5 years of service, you may be eligible to apply for Extended Disability Leave (EDL). If approved, your salary will continue through the 180-day waiting period.
What about my health and dental insurances prior to being placed on a long term disability?
If you are receiving pay from the university whether by accruals or through EDL, your insurances are continued. If you are not being paid you will be billed for your insurances unless covered under FMLA.
How much will I be paid while on LTD?
While on LTD you will receive sixty percent of your base wages on the last day you work.
How long can I receive LTD benefits?
If your total disability starts before the age of 60, benefits will continue until the age of 65, recover, or death, whichever occurs first. If total disability starts on or after age 60 but less than 65, benefits will continue for 4 ½ years, recover or death, whichever occurs first. If total disability starts on or after age 65 but less than 69, benefits continue to age 70, recovery or death, whichever occurs first. If total disability starts at age 69 or over, benefits continue for one year, recovery or death, whichever occurs first.
What happens to my seniority while on LTD?
With the effective date of LTD, you start a 2 year leave, during this leave you will continue to accrue time towards retirement only.
Will I be an official retiree when disability ends?
It will depend on your years of services and age at the point of termination after the 2-year leave.
What if I recover and get released by my treating physician to return to work, will I come back to the University?
If it is during the 2-year leave, we will make every effort to place you in a position similar to what you vacated. If it is after the 2-year leave, you must re-apply through MSU Staffing Services.
