Short-term disability now available

Exempt and nonexempt staff members in benefits categories 2 and 3 who are seriously injured in an accident, become sick for an extended period of time or are on maternity leave can now receive short-term disability benefits.

Active employees hired before October 1, 2001, who have been employed by the University for more than 90 days, are eligible for this benefit, which became effective January 1.

Since the University's long-term benefits do not begin until after 180 consecutive days of disability, the new short-term program complements current coverage, especially for new employees who have not accrued enough income protection days to cover the six-month period.

The new benefit is payable when an employee becomes totally disabled due to accident, sickness or pregnancy. Total disability means an employee is unable to perform the material and substantial duties of his or her occupation on a full-time or part-time basis. The employee also may not receive earnings for performing any other work or service.

Short-term benefits begin on day 15 of the disability or after the employee has exhausted his or her income protection days. The benefit will pay 50 percent of an employee's weekly salary, up to a maximum of $400, for as many as 26 weeks.

If a staff member is still disabled after six months, long-term disability replaces 60 percent of salary, offset by primary social security and/or worker's compensation. The minimum long-term disability benefit is $100 per month, while the maximum is $6,000 per month.

One hundred percent of both short-term and long-term disability premiums are paid by CWRU.

Eligible employees who become totally disabled should contact the Benefits Office at 368-3936 to begin the procedure to apply for the short-term disability benefit.

A brown bag seminar on the new program for employees in benefits categories 2 and 3 will be conducted at noon February 27 in Strosacker Auditorium.

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