To facilitate recovery, the University will aid and encourage disabled faculty and staff members, whenever possible, to return to work—either with the University or another employer.

Able to Work
If there is a determination, based on medical and vocational information, that your are able to return to work at leased half time, you no longer will be considered totally disabled. Long-term disability benefits under this Plan will end at that time. The University is not required to provide you with employment either inside or outside the University, and you are not required to return to work.

The University will assist you with a return to work—with either the University or another employer—for a period not to exceed 90 days from the date it is determined by the Claims Administrator that you are no longer totally disabled. During this period, you must agree to fully cooperate with the University-assigned certified vocational rehabilitation counselor who will provide these services to you. Vocational services will include assistance with analysis of your transferable job skills, identification of potential job opportunities, preparation of a resume, and counseling to prepare for interviews. During the rehabilitation period, the University will agree to continue to provide benefits under this Plan for a period of no more than 90 days. Your cooperation is required in order to receive Plan Benefits.

Rehabilitative Work
If it is determined by the vocational rehabilitation counselor that certain documented issues make your successful return to work in at least a half-time position appear questionable, this initial return may be considered a period of rehabilitative employment of a period not to exceed 60 days. Your benefits from this Plan will be reduced by no more than 50 cents for each dollar you earn from rehabilitative employment. During this 60-day period of rehabilitative employment, the vocational rehabilitation counselor will evaluate your progress and ability to maintain at least half-time employment. If it is determined based on medical and vocational information that you are able to work at least half-time, then benefits under this Plan will be discontinued at the end of the 60-day period.

More Information
For more information about vocational rehabilitation, including special services available to Long-Term Disability participants, contact the Long-Term Disability Program Coordinator at 734-763-1214, Option 1.