Long Term Disability
Long Term Disability (LTD) provides a monthly benefit if you are unable to perform your regular job (during the first two years of your disability) or any reasonable job (after two years of disability) due to illness or injury. NRSA, Dept. of Ed., and visiting postdoctoral trainees are eligible for the Postdoctoral Trainee LTD plan. Find relevant documents in the links below:
- Summary Plan Description
- Long Term Disability Certificate of Coverage
- NMG Faculty Physician LTD Certificate of Coverage
LTD plan benefit
- Employees must be absent from work for six months of continuous disability and file an LTD claim before the receiving the benefit.
- The Core plan provides 50% of an employee's last working University salary up to a maximum benefit of $11,500 per month.
- The Buy-up plan provides 60% of an employee's last working University salary up to a maximum benefit of $13,800 per month. It also allows for a benefit up to 70% with all sources, including Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
- The maximum benefit period depends on your age at the time you became disabled and your Social Security Normal Retirement Age. Benefits typically cease at your Social Security Normal Retirement Age, but may continue based on your age at disability according to the following table.
- Employees that are diagnosed or receive care for a condition within the 26-week period prior to their effective date of LTD coverage will not be covered by the LTD plan until insured on the plan for 12 months.
| Age When Disabled | Benefits Payable |
|---|---|
| Prior to age 63 | To normal retirement age or 42 months, if greater |
| 63 | To normal retirement age or 36 months, if greater |
| 64 | 30 months |
| 65 | 24 months |
| 66 | 21 months |
| 67 | 18 months |
| 68 | 15 months |
| Age 69 and over | 12 months |
Social Security coordination
The University requires faculty and staff who apply for the LTD benefit to also apply for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). MetLife will offset the University's LTD benefit payments with approved SSDI benefit payments.
Enroll in LTD
- Benefits eligible faculty and staff will be automatically enrolled in the core plan. They will be given the opportunity to elect the buy-up program upon hire.
- Individuals may change their LTD election during Open Enrollment or within 31 days of a qualifying change in family or employment status; evidence of good health is required to increase the benefit amount.
Premiums for the buy-up plan
| Age | 2024 Rate | 2025 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under age 30 | $0.082 | $0.074 |
| 30 to 34 | $0.109 | $0.098 |
| 35 to 39 | $0.123 | $0.111 |
| 40 to 44 | $0.145 | $0.131 |
| 45 to 49 | $0.187 | $0.168 |
| 50 to 54 | $0.243 | $0.219 |
| 55 to 59 | $0.284 | $0.256 |
| 60 to 64 | $0.307 | $0.276 |
| Age 65 and older | $0.287 | $0.258 |
Divide your annual salary by 100 and multiply by the premium rate for your age bracket as shown at above to obtain your annual premiums. Please note that premiums are taken as an after-tax deduction from your paycheck.
File an LTD claim
Extended Sick Time (EST) claims will transition automatically for LTD consideration by MetLife with additional health information required from you. Browse frequently asked questions.
Benefits while on LTD
Those receiving LTD benefits may continue health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for 18 months provided they pay premiums via direct bill. Between the Extended Sick Time (EST) and LTD benefits, employee may remain in these plans for a total of 24 months. After a total of 24 months on disability, individuals may continue coverage via COBRA for health, dental and vision and request to port/convert life insurance with BCBSIL. Please see the Benefits on LTD flyer for more information.