Long-Term Disability

Table of Contents

Overview

All WSU benefit-eligible employees are eligible for the Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance plan. This benefit will provide a salary-replacement benefit on approved claims, and could be applied to: 

  • Non-permanent needs when an employee is off work on a part-time basis (working less than an 80% overall effort), for temporary or permanent situations;
  • Non-permanent needs when an employee is off work on a full-time basis, for temporary or permanent situations.
  • Permanent disabilities when a person finds they are no longer able to work due to medical reasons.
  • In addition to the salary replacement benefit, there may also be associated retirement benefits.  

WSU does not administer LTD claims and cannot guarantee benefit eligibility, as Standard Insurance, the current plan vendor, is responsible for claims review and determination.

However, the HRS Medical Leave and Accommodation (MLA) unit or the HRS Benefits unit can answer questions about the insurance, and we would encourage employees who may be eligible to submit a claim, as you may qualify for benefits under the policy. 

Plan Information

Basic Plan

The basic LTD plan is provided to all benefit eligible employees is paid for by WSU.

  • The provides a benefit up to 60% of the first %750 of pre-disability earnings
  • The waiting period is 90 calendar days
  • Maximum monthly: $450
  • Minimum monthly: $100
  • 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 a non-taxed 50% – 60% salary replacement benefit on the first $16,666 of your pre-disability monthly earnings

  • Employees are automatically enrolled in a 90-day waiting period with the 60% salary replacement benefit. They may at any time:
    • Waive the optional coverage or
    • Elect 50% salary replacement
    • If an employee waives the coverage or wishes to increase a 50% salary replacement benefit to the 60% leave, will be required to go through an underwriting process for review by Standard Insurance.  
      • If approved, any pre-existing conditions are not covered for 12 months.
      • Any prior medical problems (e.g. back pain, knee pain, diabetes, cancer,etc.) may result in a denial of coverage 
  • Coverage begins on the first of the month following benefit-eligible employment, or the first of the month after the insurance plan approves an underwriting request. 
  • Premiums are based on a percentage of your monthly salary and what retirement plan you participate in

See 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.

To Submit a Claim

To submit a claim you should contact either HRS Medical leave and Accommodations(MLA) or The 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long term disability (LTD) is a wage replacement insurance plane. It is intended to provide a wage replacement benefit in the event you become medically unable to work. The benefit is primarily a non-taxed benefit, and is attempting to provide a payment that is around 50% – 60% of gross earnings, which is normally close to an individual’s net pay. 

The Health Care Authority, who administers the state employees benefit packaged, currently has contracted with The Standard Insurance Company.

You can view your optional Long Term Disability benefit waiting period selections by logging into your Workday account online, and clicking on the Benefit/Payroll tab. You can also contact HRS Benefit Services at hrs.benefits@wsu.edu or 509-335-4589. 

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.

Yes. You also have the option to submit the forms to Standard Insurance directly as well.   
The Long-Term Disability application process consists of a three-part packet: the employee’s statement, the medical provider’s 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 or as soon as you know you may be off work on an intermittent, part-time or full-time basis 90-days or more.

The employer’s statement will be completed by WSU HRS MLA – not your department.

Forms can be accessed on the Medical Leave and Accommodation Forms page.

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.

The PEBB group policy number is 377661-B.

Long Term Disability benefits are officially calculated by Standard Insurance. To determine what your benefit may be when you apply for a claim, you will be assigned a claims managed, and will be able to contact them at 503-321-7000.
The Health Care Authority PEBB Plan Booklet explains the Long Term Disability benefit. 

Here is a simple example, however, that may provide an example of on the benefit would work:  

Retirement PlanMonthly IncomeCoverage LevelMonthly Benefit Payout
WSURP* $6,000 60% $3,600 
50% $3,000 
DRS $4,500 60% $2,700 
50% $2,250 
Comparison of projected monthly disability benefit payouts under WSURP and DRS plans at 50% and 60% coverage levels.

Yes, all forms can be faxed directly to WSU Human Resource Services at 509-241-9090

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

Resources

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