If
your condition meets the definition of disability, you should
contact Work~Connections after your last day of work
to apply for disability benefits. If disability benefits
are approved, benefits begin after the exhaustion of sick
and vacation pay.
Definition
of Disability University disability plans define disability as a time
when you are totally disabled, no longer able to engage
in any occupation or employment for which you are suited
by education or training, and the disability is expected
to last for at least 12 months.
If
you are a practicing physician, the Expanded
Long-Term Disability, under a special provision, will
provide partial disability coverage.
Applying
for and Receiving Disability Benefits Follow this checklist to apply for and receive Basic
or Expanded Long-Term Disability benefits.
What to do
When to do it
How to Apply
Contact Work~Connections (W~C) at 734-615-0643 or 1-877-869-5266 toll free. The Benefits Office works with Work~Connections staff to coordinate the LTD application process. ( Note: This is not the official application; that occurs in Step 3.)
As soon as possible after you are disabled and are no longer actively at work or anticipate an absence from work for a period of 10 consecutive days.
The Work~Connections team will work with you and advise you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to submit a claim for Long-Term Disability benefits. You will be responsible for providing the documentation that is requested. This includes, but is not limited to, medical documentation. The W~C team will refer you to the Benefits Office to complete the LTD application once all documentation is complete. W~C will send a Departmental Disability Claim Form to your supervisor who must complete and return the form promptly to W~C.
A member of the W~C team will contact you to provide information and guidance regarding the LTD referral process.
The Benefits Office will contact you regarding the completion of the necessary LTD claim forms.
Complete all the LTD application forms you receive from the Benefits Office:
Request for Participation Form
Reimbursement Agreement
Social Security Administration Release Authorization
Medical Release Authorization
Return these completed forms promptly to the Benefits Office (the date these completed forms are received in the Benefits Office is the official date of your claim).
As soon as the Benefits Office receives the LTD referral and claim packet from W~C.
Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to apply for Social Security disability benefits. TTY: 1-800-325-0778, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
As soon as possible after Step 2.
After all the forms identified in Step #3 have been received by the Benefits Office, your claim will be reviewed by the Benefits Office to determine if additional documentation is required. You will be contacted if additional documentation is required.
As soon as possible after Step 2.
Provide any additional documentation requested by the Benefits Office.
As soon as possible after Step 5.
If requested, meet with a nurse case manager or a vocational rehabilitation specialist for an interview regarding the history of your medical condition and your work history.
If needed, by appointment.
If requested, attend independent medical evaluations scheduled by the Benefits Office in order to obtain additional information regarding your medical condition.
If needed, by appointment.
Once the Benefits Office has received all the documentation needed to support your claim, the claim documentation will be submitted to the external Claims Administrator for a determination of approval or denial.
Immediately after receipt of all claim documentation.
The Benefits Office will notify you by phone if your claim is approved.
Immediately upon receipt of the determination from the Claims Administrator.
You will also receive an approval letter with the details regarding the benefits you will receive.
As soon as you begin receiving LTD benefits.
The external Claims Administrator will notify you in writing if your claim is denied.
Immediately upon making the determination.
After Your Application is Approved
Notify the Benefits Office if you receive cash benefits from any public sources such as Social Security disability or retirement (for yourself and your dependents), Workers' Compensation, or the Veterans Administration.
Immediately upon receipt.
Notify the Benefits Office of any earned income you receive from any type of employment.
Immediately upon receipt.
Present the Medical Update Form (an Attending Physician's Statement of Disability) to your physician for completion and return as requested. Provide any other proof of continued disability as required by the Claims Administrator.
Within 30 days of receiving the request.
Enroll in Medicare A and B when you become eligible (usually 24 months after you begin receiving Social Security disability benefits). Notify the Benefits Office and provide proof of enrollment (copy of signed Medicare card).
Immediately upon becoming eligible.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the benefits information in this site. However, if any provision on the benefits plans is unclear or ambiguous, the Benefits Office reserves the right to interpret the plan and resolve the problem. If any inconsistency exists between this site and the written plans or contracts, the actual provisions of each benefit plan will govern. The University in its sole discretion may modify, amend, or terminate the benefits provided with respect to any individual receiving benefits, including active employees, retirees, and their spouses, partners, and dependents.
