Claims

Long Term Disability (LTD) is a benefit provided to WSU employees which acts as an insurance on a portion of your income in the event you become unable to work for longer than your LTD waiting period. You may also be eligible for a benefit if you are working less than 80% of your normal full-time work schedule due to a medical condition for longer than your LTD waiting period.

Overview

If you will be off work or working less than 80% of your normal full-time work schedule for longer than your LTD waiting period, due to your own medical condition, you may be eligible to receive a benefit from Standard Insurance. WSU does not oversee or administrate LTD claims and cannot ensure benefit eligibility, as the insurance company will be responsible for all claims adjudication. However, you are encouraged to submit a claim, as you may be eligible to receive a benefit.

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Plan information

Basic Plan:

  • The basic LTD plan is employer (WSU) paid, and provides a benefit of 60% of the first $400 of pre-disability earnings
  • The waiting period is 90 calendar days
  • The maximum benefit payable is $240 per month
  • The minimum benefit is $50 per month
  • Benefits begin after 90 calendar days of disability, or after the exhaustion of accumulated sick leave

Optional Plan:

  • The optional LTD plan is employee paid, and will pay 60% of the first $10,000 of your pre-disability earnings
  • You select the waiting period (30 to 360 days).  Disabilities may be temporary (e.g. maternity, surgery) or permanent
  • The minimum benefit is $100 per month
  • Coverage begins on the first of the month following enrollment, however, any pre-existing conditions are not covered for 12 months
  • Requests to enroll after the first 31 days of employment require company approval
  • Any prior medical problems (e.g. back pain, knee pain, diabetes, cancer,etc.) may result in a denial of coverage
  • Premiums are based on a percentage of your monthly salary
  • The rates vary with the length of your waiting period and on your retirement plan eligibility
  • LTD Premium rate information

Note: Optional Long Term Disability insurance is not available to seasonal employees who work a season that is less than nine months.

See Benefits LTD information

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To Submit a Claim

To submit a claim you should contact either HRS or Standard Insurance and request a Long Term Disability claim packet (policy number 377661-B).  The claim packet is a three part process that includes:

  1. Employee Statement – to be completed by the employee
  2. Health Care Provider Statement – to be completed by the employee’s health care provider
  3. Employer Statement – to be completed by Human Resource Services

Forms are located on the Disability Services Forms Page.

All forms should be completed and submitted to HRS. Upon receipt HRS will complete the Employer’s Statement and forward it to Standard Insurance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Long Term Disability?
  2. Who is Washington State University’s Long Term Disability Insurance Provider?
  3. How do I know what my Long Term Disability waiting period is?
  4. Can I receive Long Term Disability and Shared Leave?
  5. Can I file Long Term Disability if I am having a baby?
  6. When should I submit my claim forms to Human Resource Services Pullman?
  7. What if I’m not sure if I will be off work longer than my waiting period?
  8. Who makes the decision on if my LTD claim is approved?
  9. How do I determine what my Long Term Disability benefit would be?
  10. Can my health care provider fax the Medical Provider’s Statement?
  11. My claim form asks for a PEBB group policy number.  What is this?

1. What is Long Term Disability?

Long Term Disability is an insurance. It is intended to provide a benefit in the event you become medically unable to work. Benefits vary based on the plan you have selected.

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2. Who is Washington State University’s Long Term Disability Insurance Provider?

WSU’s Long Disability Insurance Provider is Standard Insurance Company

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3. How do I know what my Long Term Disability waiting period is?

You can view your optional Long Term Disability benefit waiting period selections by logging into your Workday account online. You can also contact an HRS Benefit Services representative at hrs@wsu.edu or 509-335-4521.

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4. Can I receive Long Term Disability and Shared Leave?

Shared Leave may be used to help satisfy your optional Long Term Disability waiting period only, up to 90 days. In the event your Long Term Disability is denied, you may submit a written request to HRS Pullman for reconsideration of your Shared Leave.

Bargaining Unit employees should refer to the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreements.

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5. Can I file Long Term Disability if I am having a baby?

If you are medically off work longer than your Long Term Disability waiting period you may be eligible to receive a benefit.

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6. When should I submit my claim forms to Human Resource Services Pullman?

The Long Term Disability application process consists of a three part packet: the employee’s statement, the medical providers statement, and the employer’s statement. Claim forms can be completed and submitted at any time, however employees are encouraged to submit their application forms prior to their leave. The employer’s statement will be completed by WSU HRS. Forms can be accessed on the Disability Services forms page.

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7. What if I’m not sure if I will be off work longer than my waiting period?

If you think you may be off work longer than your benefit waiting period or the exhaustion of your sick leave, you can file a claim for Long Term Disability. If you return to work part time you may still be entitled to receive a benefit. If you return to work full time prior to satisfying your waiting period than you may not be eligible for a benefit.

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8. Who makes the decision on if my LTD claim is approved?

The decision as to the approval/denial of your claim and amount of your benefit is determined by Standard Insurance.

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9. How do I determine what my Long Term Disability benefit would be?

Long Term Disability benefits are calculated by Standard Insurance. To determine what your benefit may be you will need to contact your claims manager at 503-321-7000. The Health Care Authority PEBB Plan Booklet provides an explanation of the Long Term Disability benefit.

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10. Can my health care provider fax the Medical Provider’s Statement?

Yes, all forms can be faxed directly to WSU Human Resource Services at 509-335-1259.

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11. My claim form asks for a PEBB group policy number. What is this?

The PEBB group policy number is 377661-B.

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Resources

Questions? Contact Disability Services

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