Disability HANDBOOK · 2015-08-25 · Summary of Disability Benefits Automatically Enrolled If you...

MoDOT & Patrol Employees’ Retirement System

DisabilityHANDBOOK

PO Box 19301913 William Street

Jefferson City, MO 65102-1930Phone: (573) 298-6080

Toll Free: (800) 270-1271Fax: (573) 522-6111

Email: [email protected]

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Serving those who keep us safe.

http://www.mpers.org/


2 MPERS | PO Box 1930 | Jefferson City, MO 65102-1930

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BackMPERS | PO Box 1930 | Jefferson City, MO 65102-1930

www.mpers.org

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Overview of Group Policy ............................................3

Summary of Disability Benefits ...................................4

Glossary of Terms ........................................................5 ActiveWork/ActivelyatWork.................................................... 5 AnyOccupation......................................................................... 5 AnyOccupationDefinitionofDisability................................... 5 BenefitWaitingPeriod............................................................... 5 DateofDisability....................................................................... 6 DeductibleIncome.................................................................... 6 Disability................................................................................... 6 IndexedPre-DisabilityEarnings................................................. 6 MaterialDuties.......................................................................... 6 MaximumBenefitPeriod........................................................... 6 MaximumBenefitPeriod–Long-TermDisability(LTD).......... 6 MaximumBenefitPeriod–Work-RelatedDisability(WRD).... 7 OwnOccupation....................................................................... 7 OwnOccupationDefinitionofDisability.................................. 7 Pre-DisabilityEarnings.............................................................. 7 Pre-ExistingCondition.............................................................. 8 WorkEarnings........................................................................... 8

Eligibility for Coverage ................................................9 EligibleEmployees..................................................................... 9 EffectiveDateofCoverage......................................................... 9 CostofCoverage........................................................................ 9 WhenDisabilityCoverageEnds................................................. 9 CoverageDuringanApprovedUnpaidLeaveofAbsence........... 9

Disability Benefit Amount ........................................ 10 Long-TermDisability(LTD)BenefitAmount.......................... 10 Work-RelatedDisability(WRD)BenefitAmount.................... 10 MinimumBenefit.................................................................... 10 HowtoDetermineYourBenefitAmount................................. 11 LTD Benefit Example......................................................... 11 WRD Benefit Example....................................................... 11 DualEmploymentProvision.................................................... 11 WhenBenefitsBegin................................................................ 12 WhenBenefitsEnd–LTDandWRDDisability..................... 12 DeductibleIncome.................................................................. 12 OverpaymentofBenefits/DutytoPursueDeductibleIncome.. 13 WhenYourSocialSecurityDisabilityBenefitsMayStart......... 13 Cost-of-LivingAdjustment(COLA)........................................ 13 TaxImplicationsofYourDisabilityBenefit.............................. 13

Table of Contents

Filing a Disability Claim ............................................ 14 RequiredForms........................................................................ 14 RequiredFilingDates.............................................................. 14 CostsAssociatedWithApplyingforBenefits............................ 14 Denial,Suspension,orTerminationofaDisabilityClaim........ 14 AppealProcedures.................................................................... 15 NewDisabilities....................................................................... 15

Returning to Work .................................................... 16 ReturntoWorkIncentive........................................................ 16 WorksiteModificationsandPersonalAids................................ 16 RehabilitationPlanProvision................................................... 16 WorkplacePossibilitiesProgram............................................... 17 TemporaryRecovery................................................................ 17

Exclusions and Limitations ....................................... 18 Exclusions................................................................................ 18 Limitations.............................................................................. 18

Miscellaneous Information ....................................... 19 SurvivorBenefits...................................................................... 19 CalculatingYourRetirementBenefit........................................ 19

Disability Timeline .................................................... 20

This handbook provides a description of your disability insurance benefits, provided pursuant to Chapter 104, RSMo, and The The Standard Group Insurance Policy Number 643110-A or successors thereto, issued to the Missouri Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol Employees’ Retirement System (MPERS). If there is a discrepancy between this handbook and the statute or insurance contract, the statute or insurance contract will control.

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3Phone: (573) 298-6080 | Toll Free: (800) 270-1271 | Email: [email protected]


Back 3Phone: (573) 298-6080 | Toll Free: (800) 270-1271 | Email: [email protected]

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Peopleinsuretheirlives,health,homes,andotherpossessions,butoftenoverlooktheirmostimportantasset—theirabilitytoearnanincome.Disabilityinsuranceprotectsyourearningabilitybyprovidingpartialincomereplacementintheeventyoubecomedisabled.Generallyspeaking,itspurposeistohelpbridgethegapbetweenyourdateofdisabilityandthedateyourecoverorretire,whichevercomesfirst.Asaneligible,activeemployeeoftheMissouriDepartmentofTransportation(MoDOT),MissouriStateHighwayPatrol(MSHP),ortheMoDOTandPatrolEmployees’RetirementSystem(MPERS),youareprovideddisabilityinsurancecoverageatnocosttoyou.

Pleasetakeafewminutesnowtoreadthroughthishandbook.Ifyouhavequestionsregardingyourdisabilitycoverageortheclaimsprocess,pleasecontactaMPERSbenefitspecialistat(800)270-1271.Acquaintingyourselfwiththetermsintheglossarywillalsohelpyoubetterunderstandthecomplexitiesofyourdisabilitycoverage.

Basically,yourdisabilityinsurancebenefitsprovidedbyTheStandardinclude:

• Coverageatnocosttoyou.• BenefitsforLong-TermDisability(LTD)andWork-RelatedDisability(WRD).• Continuationofcreditableservicetowardretirementbenefitsforeachmonthyoureceive

disabilitybenefitsoruntilyoureachnormalretirementeligibilityintheplanyouareamemberof.

Group Policy Effective DateJuly1,2004

Group Policy Number643110-A

Name and Address of Insurance Carrier

The Standard Insurance CompanyGroupBenefitsDepartment

P.O.Box2800Portland,OR97208-2800Claims:(800)368-1135

Fax:(971)321-8400

Name and Address of Policyholder

MoDOT & Highway PatrolEmployees’ Retirement System (MPERS)

1913WilliamStreet,P.O.Box1930JeffersonCity,MO65102-1930

Phone:(800)270-1271or(573)298-6080Fax:(573)522-6111

Email:[email protected]

• Thisisnotaninsurancepolicy.ThegrouppolicyisheldbyMPERS.

• AllclaimsmustbefiledthroughMPERS.ClaimsaresubjecttothetermsoftheGroupPolicyineffectonthedateyoubecomedisabled.

• AslongasyoumeettheeligibilityrequirementssetforthinGroupPolicyNumber643110-A,youwillhavedisabilitycoveragethroughMPERS.

Overview of Group Policy

This handbook is intended for active members of MPERS who:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements for disability coverage through this group policy issued by The Standard Insurance Company; and

2. Become disabled on or after July 1, 2004, the effective date of the policy.

mailto:mpers%40mpers.org?subject=






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Summary of Disability Benefits

Automatically Enrolled

Ifyouareaneligibleemployeeworkinginabenefit-eligibleposition,youwillautomaticallyreceivedisabilitycoverage.Themonthlypremiumsarepaidbyyouremployer.(Page9)

Long-Term Disability Amount

LTDbenefitsprovideupto60%ofyourmonthlypre-disabilityearningsoffsetbydeductibleincome.(SeePage10forexamplesofdeductibleincome.)

Work-Related Disability Amount

Work-RelatedDisabilitybenefitsprovidethelesser of:(1)70%ofyourmonthlypre-disabilityearnings(not offsetbydeductibleincome);or(2)90%ofyourmonthlypre-disabilityearningsoffsetbydeductibleincome.(SeePage10forexamplesofdeductibleincome.)

Own Occupation

Duringthebenefitwaitingperiodandthefirst24monthsthatdisabilitybenefitsarepayable,youmaybeconsidereddisabledifyouareunabletoperformwithreasonablecontinuitythematerialdutiesofyourownoccupation,andyousufferalossofatleast20%inyourindexedpre-disabilityearnings.(SeePage7fordefinitionofownoccupationdisability.)

Any Occupation Afterthefirst24monthsthatdisabilitybenefitsarepayable,youarerequiredtobedisabledfromanyoccupation.(Page5)

Unpaid Leave of Absence

Ifyouareonanapprovedunpaidleaveofabsence,youmaycontinueyourdisabilitycoverageforupto24months,providedyoupaythemonthlypremiums.(Page9)

Exclusions & Limitations

Itisveryimportanttoknowtheexclusionstoandlimitationsofyourdisabilitycoverage.(Page18)

Temporary Recovery

Ifyoutemporarilyrecoverduringyourbenefitwaitingperiodandyourperiodofrecoverydoesnotexceed30days,anewbenefitwaitingperiodmaynotberequired.(Page17)

Applying for Disability

Threeformsarerequiredwhenapplyingfordisabilitybenefits:(1)Employee’s Statement and Authorization to Obtain Information;(2)Employer’s Statement;and(3)Attending Physician’s Statement.(Page14)

Appeal Process Ifyourdisabilityclaimisdenied,suspended,orterminated,youwillhave180daystosubmitawrittenappealtotheinsurancecompany.(Page15)

Tax Withholding

Yourdisabilitybenefit(LTDandWork-RelatedDisability)maybesubjecttocertainfederalandstatetaxes.(Page13)

Survivor Benefits

Ifyoudiewhilereceivingdisabilitybenefits,youreligiblespouse(orchildren)mayreceivealumpsumsurvivorbenefit.(Page19)

Accruing Service While Disabled

Youwillcontinueaccruingcreditableservicetowardretirementbenefitsforeachmonthyoureceivedisabilitybenefitsoruntilyoureachnormalretirementeligibilityintheplanyouareamemberof.(Page19)

Thefollowingsummaryhighlightsthemajorprovisionsofyourdisabilityinsurancebenefits.Formoredetailedinformationonaparticularprovision,pleaserefertotheappropriatesectionofthishandbook.



http://www.mpers.org/files/DDF/Disability%20Packet.pdf






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Tounderstandyourdisabilitycoverageandbenefits,youwillneedtofamiliarizeyourselfwiththefollowingdefinitions.Remember,thesedefinitionsarespecifictothecontractbetweenMPERSandTheStandardInsuranceCompany(hereinafterreferredtoas“TheStandard”),andyoushouldnotassumethesedefinitionsareapplicableoutsidethescopeofthiscontract.

Active Work/Actively at WorkActivework/activelyatworkmeansperformingwithreasonablecontinuitythematerialdutiesofyourownoccupationatyouremployer’susualplaceofbusinessorlocationswithinthecourseandscopeofyouremployment.Ifyouareincapableofactiveworkbecauseofphysicaldisease,injury,pregnancy,ormentaldisorderonthedaybeforethescheduledeffectivedateofyourinsurance,yourinsurancewillnotbecomeeffectiveuntilthedayafteryoucompleteonefulldayofactiveworkasaneligiblemember.

Youwillalsomeettheactiveworkrequirementifyouwere:

• Absentfromactiveworkbecauseofaregularlyscheduleddayoff,holiday,orvacationday.• Activelyatworkonyourlastscheduledworkdaybeforethedateofyourabsence.• Capableofactiveworkonthedaybeforethescheduledeffectivedateofyourinsurance.

Any OccupationAnyOccupationmeansanyoccupationoremploymentwhichyouareabletoperform,whetherduetoeducation,training,orexperience,whichisavailableatoneormorelocationsinthenationaleconomyandinwhichyoucanbeexpectedtoearnatleast60%ofyourindexedpre-disabilityearningswithintwelvemonthsfollowingyourreturntowork,regardlessofwhetheryouareworkinginthatoranyotheroccupation.

Any Occupation Definition of DisabilityAfterthefirst24monthsthatdisabilitybenefitsarepayable,youarerequiredtobedisabledfromalloccupations.

Youaredisabledfromalloccupationsif,asaresultofphysicaldisease,injury,pregnancyormentaldisorder,youareunabletoperformwithreasonablecontinuitythematerialdutiesofanyoccupation.

Theanyoccupationperiodextendsfromtheendoftheownoccupationperiodtotheendofthemaximumbenefitperiod.Duringtheanyoccupationperiod,youwillnolongerbedisabledwhenyourworkearningsexceed60%ofyourindexedpre-disabilityearnings.

Benefit Waiting PeriodThebenefitwaitingperiodistheperiodoftimethatmustpassbeforebenefitsarepayabletoyou.Youmustbecontinuouslydisabledduringthiswaitingperiod,andnobenefitswillbepaidduringthisperiod.Thebenefitwaitingperiodbeginsonthedateyoufirstbecomedisabled,asdeterminedbyTheStandard,andisnormallythedayafteryourlastdayonthejob.TherearedifferentbenefitwaitingperiodsforLong-TermDisability(LTD)andWork-RelatedDisability(WRD).

LTD:Thebenefitwaitingperiodendswhensickleavebenefitsexpireorthedateyouhavebeendisabledfor180days,whicheverislater.

WRD:ThebenefitwaitingperiodendswhensickleavebenefitsexpireorthedateitisdeterminedyouhavereachedyourmaximummedicalimprovementundertheMissouriWorkers’CompensationLaw,whicheverislater.

Glossary of Terms

Take time to acquaint yourself with the Glossary of Terms. This will help you better understand the complexities of your disability coverage.






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Date of DisabilityThedateyoufirstbecomedisabledasdeterminedbyTheStandard.

Deductible IncomeOthersourcesofincomeconsideredbyTheStandard,whichreduceyourdisabilitybenefits(e.g.workearnings,SocialSecurity,shareleave,workers’compensationforlosttime).

DisabilityForthepurposesofyourdisabilitycoverage,TheStandarddefinesdisabilityintwoways—“OwnOccupation”and“AnyOccupation”.Itisimportantthatyouunderstandthedistinctionsbetweenthetwodefinitionsofdisabilityandhoweachimpactsyourbenefits.Remember,tobedetermineddisabledbyTheStandard,youmustbeunderthecontinuousandappropriatecareofaphysician.

Indexed Pre-Disability Earnings IndexedPre-DisabilityEarningsareyourpre-disabilityearningsadjustedbytherateofincreaseintheConsumerPriceIndexforAllUrbanConsumersfortheUnitedStates(CPI-U).Duringyourfirstyearofdisability,yourindexedpre-disabilityearningsarethesameasyourpre-disabilityearnings.Thereafter,yourindexedpre-disabilityearningsaredeterminedeachyearontheanniversaryofyourdisabilitybyincreasingthepreviousyear’sindexedpre-disabilityearningsbytherateofincreaseintheCPI-Uforthepriorcalendaryear.Themaximumadjustmentinanyyearis10%.Yourindexedpre-disabilityearningswillnotdecrease,eveniftheCPI-Udecreases.

Material DutiesMaterialdutiesmeantheessentialtasks,functionsandoperations,andtheskills,abilities,knowledge,training,andexperiencegenerallyrequiredbyyouremployertoengageinaparticularoccupationthatcannotbereasonablymodifiedoromitted.Innoeventwillworkinganaverageofmorethan40hoursperweekbeconsideredamaterialduty.

Maximum Benefit Period Themaximumbenefitperiodisthemaximumamountoftimethatdisabilitybenefitsarepayableforoneperiodofcontinuousdisability,whetherfromoneormorecauses.Itbeginsattheendofthebenefitwaitingperiod.TherearedifferentmaximumbenefitperiodsforLTDandWork-RelatedDisability.

Maximum Benefit Period – Long-Term Disability (LTD)ThemaximumbenefitperiodforLTDendsontheearlierofthefollowingevents:

• Thedayimmediatelyprecedingthedateyouarefirsteligibletoreceivenormal(unreduced)retirementbenefitsfromMPERSintheplanyouareamemberof,or

• Thedayimmediatelyprecedingthedateyoubeginreceivingearly(reduced)retirementbenefitsfromMPERS.

Glossary of Terms

The rate of pay is not indexed for Closed Plan members.





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Maximum Benefit Period – Work-Related Disability (WRD)ThemaximumbenefitperiodforWork-RelatedDisabilityendsontheearlierofthefollowingevents:

• Thedayimmediatelyprecedingthedateyoubeginreceivinganyretirementbenefit,reducedorunreduced,fromMPERS,or

• Thedatedeterminedbyyouragewhendisabilitybegins,asfollows:

Age Maximum Benefit Period 60oryounger Toage65or60months,iflonger 61 4years 62 3years6months 63 3years 64 2years6months 65 2years 66 1year9months 67 1year6months 68 1year3months 69orolder 1year

Own OccupationOwnOccupationmeansanyemployment,business,trade,profession,callingorvocationthatinvolvesmaterialdutiesofthesamegeneralcharacterastheoccupationyouareregularlyperformingforyouremployerwhendisabilitybegins.Indeterminingyourownoccupation,TheStandardisnotlimitedtolookingatthewayyouperformyourjobforyouremployer,butmayalsolookatthewaytheoccupationisgenerallyperformedinthenationaleconomy.Ifyourownoccupationinvolvestherenderingofprofessionalservicesandyouarerequiredtohaveaprofessionaloroccupationallicenseinordertowork,yourownoccupationisasbroadasthescopeofyourlicense.

Own Occupation Definition of DisabilityDuringthebenefitwaitingperiod(previouslydefinedforLTDandWork-RelatedDisability)andthe24monthsfollowingthatperiod,youaredisabledifasaresultofphysicaldisease,injury,pregnancy,ormentaldisorder:(1)youareunabletoperformwithreasonablecontinuitythematerialdutiesofyourownoccupation;and(2)yousufferalossofatleast20%inyourindexedpre-disabilityearningswhenworkinginyourownoccupation.Yourownoccupationisnotlimitedtoyourjobwithyouremployerandyouarenotdisabledmerelybecauseyourabilitytoperformyourownoccupationisrestricted,includingarestrictionorlossoflicense.

Theownoccupationperiodisthefirst24monthsforwhichdisabilitybenefitsarepaid.Duringtheownoccupationperiod,youwillnolongerbedisabledwhenyourworkearningsexceed80%ofyourindexedpre-disabilityearnings.

Pre-Disability EarningsPre-disabilityearningsmeansincomeusedtodetermineyourdisabilitybenefit.Itisyourmonthlyrateofearningsfromyouremployerineffectonyourlastfulldayofactivework.Anysubsequentchangeinyourearningsafterthatlastfulldayofactiveworkwillnotaffectyourpre-disabilityearnings.Yourpre-disabilityearningsinclude:

• ContributionsdeductedfromyoursalarytoanInternalRevenueCode(IRC)Section457deferredcompensationarrangement.

• ContributionstoIRCSection125and132fringebenefitplansandshiftdifferential,ifany.• Shiftdifferentialpay.

Pre-disabilityearningsdoesnotincludebonuses,commissions,overtime,employercontributionspaidonyourbehalf,oranyotherextracompensationpaidbyyouremployer.

Glossary of Terms

If you are paid hourly, your monthly rate of earnings is based on your hourly pay rate multiplied by the number of hours you are regularly scheduled to work per month, but not more than 173 hours. If you do not have regular work hours, your monthly rate of earnings is based on the average number of hours you worked per month during the preceding 12 calendar months (or during your period of employment if less than 12 months), but not more than 173 hours).






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Pre-Existing ConditionApre-existingconditionisamentalorphysicalconditionforwhichyouhavedoneanyofthefollowingduringthe90daysjustbeforeyourinsurancebecomeseffective:

• Consultedaphysicianorotherlicensedmedicalprofessional.• Receivedmedicaltreatment,servicesoradvice.• Undergonediagnosticprocedures.• Takenprescriptiondrugsormedicine.

Youwillnotbecoveredforadisabilitycausedorcontributedtobyapre-existingconditionormedicalorsurgicaltreatmentofapre-existingconditionunless,onthedateyoubecomedisabled,you:1)havebeencontinuouslyinsuredunderthisgrouppolicyfor12months,and2)havebeenactivelyatworkforatleastonefulldayaftertheendofthat12months.

Work EarningsWorkearningsmeansyourgrossmonthlyearningsfromworkyouperformwhiledisabled,plustheearningsyoucouldreceiveifyouworkedasmuchasyouareableto,consideringyourdisability,inworkthatisreasonablyavailable.

Workearningsincludeearningsfromyouremployer,anyotheremployer,orself-employment,andanysickleave,annualleave,orpersonalleavepayorothersalarycontinuationearnedoraccruedwhileworking.

Shouldyourearningsvarysubstantiallyfrommonthtomonth,TheStandardmaydetermineyourworkearningsbyaveragingyourearningoverthemostrecent3-monthperiod.Duringtheownoccupationperiod,youwillnolongerbedisabledwhenyouraverageworkearningsoverthelast3monthsexceed80%ofyourindexedpre-disabilityearnings.Duringtheanyoccupationperiod,youwillnolongerbedisabledwhenyouraverageworkearningsoverthelast3monthsexceed60%ofyourindexedpre-disabilityearnings.

Glossary of Terms





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Eligible Employees

YouareeligiblefordisabilityinsurancecoverageifyouareacitizenorresidentoftheUnitedStatesorCanadaandare:

• AnemployeewhoisamemberoftheMissouriDepartmentofTransportationandHighwayPatrolEmployees’RetirementSystemworkinginapositionnormallyrequiringatleast1,040hoursperyear;or

• AparticipantintheEmployee’sCooperativeEducationalTrainingProgramwhomeetstherequirementsofPersonnelPolicy6500oftheMissouriDepartmentofTransportationPersonnelPolicyManual.

Youarenoteligiblefordisabilitycoverageifyouareafull-timememberofthearmedforcesofanycountry,aleasedemployee,oranindependentcontractor.

Effective Date of Coverage

Providingyoumeettheactivelyatworkrequirement,yourdisabilitycoveragebecomeseffectiveonthelaterofthefollowingdates:

• TheeffectivedateoftheGroupPolicy,July1,2004;or• ThefirstdayyoubecomeamemberofMPERS.

Cost of Coverage

IfyouareeligiblefordisabilityinsurancecoveragethroughMPERS,yourmonthlypremiumswillbepaidbyyouremployer(unlessyouareonanunpaidleaveofabsence).

When Disability Coverage Ends

Yourdisabilitycoverageautomaticallyendstheearlierof:

• Thedatethelastperiodendsforwhichapremiumwaspaid.• Thedatethegrouppolicyterminates.• Thedateyouremploymentends.• ThedateyouceasetobeamemberofMPERS.

Coverage During an Approved Unpaid Leave of Absence

Aslongasyouremaininactivepaystatus,youremployerpaysyourdisabilitypremiums.Ifyoutakeanunpaidleaveofabsenceandwishtocontinueyourcoverage,youmaydosoforupto24months.Duringthisperiod,MPERSwillbillyoudirectlyforthemonthlypremiums.Attheendofthe24-monthperiod,yourcoveragewillterminate.

Ifyouchoosetoterminateyourcoveragewhileonanunpaidleaveofabsence,yourcoveragewillbeginagainonthedateyoureturntoactivework.

Eligibility for Coverage

If you are a full-time member of the Armed Forces of any country, a leased employee, or an independent contractor, you are not eligible for coverage.






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Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefit Amount

Ifyourdisabilityisnotwork-related,andyoucompletethebenefitwaitingperiod,youwillbeeligibleforaLTDBenefit.TheLTDBenefitequals:

• 60%ofyourpre-disabilityearnings,reducedbydeductibleincome.• ThemaximumLTDBenefitis$15,000permonthbeforereductionbydeductibleincome.• LTDBenefitsarenotpayableifWork-RelatedDisabilityBenefitsarepayable.

Work-Related Disability (WRD) Benefit Amount

Ifyourdisabilityarisesoutoforinthecourseofyouremploymentandyoucompletethebenefitwaitingperiod,youwillbeeligibleforaWork-RelatedDisabilityBenefitassetoutbelow.TheWork-RelatedDisabilityBenefitequalsthelesserof:

• 70%ofyourmonthlypre-disabilityearnings(notoffsetbydeductibleincome);or• 90%ofyourmonthlypre-disabilityearningoffsetbyanydeductibleincome.

ThemaximumWork-RelatedDisabilityBenefitis$15,000permonthbeforereductionbydeductibleincome.

IfyouarereceivingWork-RelatedDisabilityBenefits,youareeligibleforannualcost-of-livingadjustments(COLAs)onthefirstdayofthemonthfollowingtheanniversarydateofyourdisability.AnnualCOLAsareequalto80%oftheincreaseintheConsumerPriceIndexforAllUrbanConsumers(CPI-U)forthepriorcalendaryear.ThemaximumCOLAis5%.

Work-RelatedDisabilityBenefitsarepayableonlyifyouarereceivingorhavebeenreceivingbenefitsunderaworkers’compensationlawbecauseofyourpartialortotaldisability,whetherpermanentorvocational.Work-RelatedDisabilityBenefitsarenotpayableifLTDBenefitsarepayable.

Minimum Benefit

Yourminimumdisabilitybenefitis$50or15%ofyourdisabilitybenefitbeforereductionbyDeductibleIncome,whicheverisgreater.

However,iftheamountoftheMinimumDisabilityBenefitplustheamountofyourDeductibleIncomeexceeds100%oryourIndexedPre-DisabilityEarnings,theamountinexcesswillbesubtractedfromtheMinimumDisabilityBenefit.

Disability Benefit Amount

Once you begin receiving benefits, your employer may terminate your employment.





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How to Determine Your Benefit Amount

Nowthatyou’refamiliarwiththecriteriathatcandetermineyourmaximumandminimummonthlydisabilitybenefit,let’slookatanexampleofahypotheticallong-termdisability(LTD)andwork-relateddisability(WRD)benefitpaymentandhowthatbenefitcanbeimpactedbypotentialsourcesofdeductibleincome.

LTD Benefit Example:

ASSUMPTIONS: Pre-DisabilityEarnings $2,500 SocialSecurityDisability $1,000

1. Startwithyourpre-disabilityearningsonyourlastfulldayofactivework $2,5002. Multiplyby60% x.60 Total(before deductible income) $1,5003. Subtractanydeductibleincomeyoureceive -1,000 Total LTD benefit (after deductible income) $ 500

In this example, your monthly LTD benefit would be $500.

WRD Benefit Example (using the same assumptions)

1. Startwithyourpre-disabilityearningsonyourlastfulldayofactivework $2,5002. Multiplyby70% x.70 Total WRD benefit (not reduced for deductible income) $1,750

1. Startwithyourpre-disabilityearningsonyourlastfulldayofactivework $2,5002. Multiplyby90% x.90 Total(before deductible income) $2,2503. Subtractanydeductibleincomeyoureceive -1,000 Total WRD benefit (reduced for deductible income) $1,250

In this example, your monthly WRD benefit would be $1,250.

Thesearejustexamples;theydonotrepresentyouractualbenefit.Alldollaramountsintheseexamplesarepre-tax(gross)amounts.

Dual Employment Provision

IfyouworkinmorethanonebenefiteligiblepositioncoveredbyMPERSandbecomedisabled,thefollowingwillapply:

• Ifyouaredisabledfromallyourpositions,yourpre-disabilityearningswillbebasedonyourearningsforallyourpositions.

• Ifyouaredisabledfromoneofyourpositionsandyoucontinuetoworkintheothers,yourworkearningswillbeconsidereddeductibleincomeasdescribedinthe“ReturntoWorkIncentive”sectionofthishandbook.

• Ifyouaredisabledfromoneofyourpositionsandyouelectnottoworkintheother,yourpre-disabilityearningswillonlybebasedonyourearningsforthepositionfromwhichyouaredisabled.


LTD Benefit Equals:

• 60% of your pre-disability earnings (reduced by deductible income)

WRD Benefit Equals:

The lesser of:

• 70% of your pre-disability earnings (not reduced by deductible income); or

• 90% of your pre-disability earnings (reduced by deductible income)






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When Benefits Begin

Yourdisabilitybenefitpaymentswillbeginattheendoftheapplicablebenefitwaitingperiod.Disabilitybenefitswillbepaidtoyouattheendofeachcalendarmonthyouqualifyforthem.Ifyouworkduringthebenefitwaitingperiod,itcoulddelaytheeffectivedateofyourdisabilitybenefits.Once you begin receiving benefits, your employer may terminate your employment.

When Benefits End – LTD and WRD Disability

Benefitsendautomaticallyonwhicheverofthesedatesoccurfirst:

• Thedateyouarenolongerdisabled.• Thedateyoufailtoprovideproofofcontinueddisabilityandentitlementtodisability

benefits.• Thedateyoudie.• Thedateyourmaximumbenefitperiodends.• Thedatebenefitsbecomepayableunderanyotherlong-termgroupdisabilityinsurance

planunderwhichyoubecomeinsuredthroughemploymentduringaperiodofTemporaryRecovery.

Deductible Income

Disabilityinsuranceisintendedtoreplaceapercentageofyourincomelostasaresultofdisability.Inreplacingthepercentageoflostwages,TheStandardalsotakesintoaccountcertainothersourcesofincomeyoumaybeeligibletoreceiveasaresultofyourdisability.Theseothersourcesofincomearecalled“deductibleincome,”becausetheyaredeductedfromyourdisabilitybenefit.Itisyourdutytopursuedeductibleincomeforwhichyoumaybeeligible.

Yourdisabilitybenefitwillbereducedbythefollowingdeductibleincome:

• Workearnings,asdescribedintheReturntoWorkProvision.• PrimarySocialSecuritybenefitspaidbecauseofyourdisability(Social Security COLAs will

not reduce the amount of your disability benefit).• Regularmonthlyworkers’compensationbenefitspayablefortimelostfromwork(disability

benefitswillnotbereducedbyyourworkers’compensationlumpsumsettlementforbenefitsotherthanlostwages).

• Anyamountreceivedoreligibletoreceiveunderanothergroupdisabilityinsuranceplan.• Anyamountyoureceiveorareeligibletoreceiveunderanyunemploymentcompensation

law.• Anyamountyoureceiveoreligibletoreceiveunderanystatedisabilityincomebenefitlaw.

ItisimportanttorememberthatdisabilitybenefitsunderthisgrouppolicyandSocialSecuritydisabilitybenefitsareindependentofeachother.Approvalofonedoesnotguaranteeapprovaloftheother.


Deductible Income

To avoid overpayments, you must notify The Standard immediately if you begin receiving income such as:

• Work earnings• Workers’ compensation• Social Security disability• Disability benefits under another group

disability insurance policy• Pre-disability earnings received while

disability benefits are payable from The Standard

• Unemployment compensation

Time of Payment

Generally speaking, The Standard will pay disability benefits within 30 days after you satisfy Proof of Loss.





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Overpayment of Benefits/Duty to Pursue Deductible Income

Toprovideyouwithanincomeassoonaspossible,monthlydisabilitybenefitsmaybepaidbeforeaSocialSecurityorworkers’compensationmonthlybenefitisdetermined.Toavoidreceivingoverpayments,youmustnotifyTheStandardifyoubeginreceivingbenefitsfromworkers’compensationorSocialSecuritywhilereceivingyourdisabilitybenefits.You must promptly refund any overpayment.Ifyoudonot,TheStandardwillreduceorwithholdfuturebenefitsuntiltheoverpaymenthasbeenrepaid.Accordingtothetermsofthepolicy,youarerequiredtopursuedeductibleincomeforwhichyoumaybeeligible,includingSocialSecurityandworkers’compensationbenefits.TheStandardmayaskyoutoprovidewrittendocumentationthatyouareactivelypursuingtheseorotherapplicablebenefits.

When Your Social Security Disability Benefits May StartSource: Social Security - Disability Benefits

Ifyourapplicationisapproved,yourfirstSocialSecuritydisabilitybenefitwillbepaidforthesixth full monthafterthedatetheyfindthatyourdisabilitybegan.

Forexample,ifyourdisabilitybeganonJune15,2014,yourfirstdisabilitybenefitwillbepaidforthemonthofDecember2014,thesixthfullmonthofdisability.SocialSecuritydisabilitybenefitsarepaidinthemonthfollowingthemonthforwhichtheyaredue.ThismeansthatthebenefitdueforDecemberwouldbepaidtoyouinJanuary2015,andsoon.

Toavoidoverpayments,youmustnotifyTheStandardimmediatelyifyoubeginreceivingworkers’compensationorSocialSecuritydisabilitybenefits.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

AnnualCOLAsarepayabletoeligiblemembersreceivingwork-relateddisabilitybenefits.YouwillbeeligibleforanannualCOLAifonthefirstdayofthemonthfollowingeachanniversaryofyourdateofdisability,youhavebeendisabledforthepreceding12months.

TheannualCOLArateisdetermineeachJanuary,basedon80%oftheincreaseintheConsumerPriceIndexforAllUrbanConsumers(CPI-U),withamaximumrateof5%.

Tax Implications of Your Disability Benefit

Yourdisabilitybenefitsmaybesubjecttocertainfederalandstatetaxes.Itmaybeadvisabletoconsultataxauthoritytoseehowyoumaybeaffected.Ifyouwishtohavetaxeswithheldfromyourmonthlybenefit,TheStandardwillprovideyouwiththenecessaryforms.Eachyear,TheStandardwillsendyouaW-2foruseinpreparingyourincometaxreturn.


The Standard will send you a W-2 each January for use in preparing your income tax return.

Social Security DisabilityContact Information

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

Phone: (800) 772-12138

To avoid receiving overpayments, you must notify The Standard if you begin receiving benefits from workers’ compensation or Social Security while receiving your disability benefits.




http://www.ssa.gov/disability/



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Required Forms

Ifyoubelieveyouhaveaclaimfordisabilitybenefits,thefollowingforms,availablefromyourpayroll/personnelrepresentativeorontheMPERSwebsite(www.mpers.org),mustbecompletedandsubmittedtoTheStandard.Foryourconvenience,alinktotheformsisprovidedbelow:

• Employee’s Statement and Authorization to Obtain Information• Tobecompletedbythemember

• Employer’s Statement• Tobecompletedbythepayroll/personnelrepresentative

• Attending Physician’s Statement• Tobecompletedbythephysician-membermustcompleteSectionA

LinktoDisability Claim Packet & Instructions

Required Filing Dates

Youshouldsubmittherequiredformsassoonaspossibleafterbecomingdisabled.AllformsmustbemailedtoTheStandardno later than 90 days after the end of your benefit waiting period.IfyourclaimformsarenotsenttoTheStandardwithinoneyearoftheinitial90dayperiod,yourclaimwillbedenied.Thesetimelimitsdonotapplyifyoulacklegalcapacitytoperformthefilingprocedure.

AnyadditionaldocumentationrequestedbyTheStandardmustbeprovidedwithin45days;otherwise,yourclaimmaybedenied.

Costs Associated With Applying for Benefits

Therearecertaincostsforwhichyouwillberesponsiblewhenyoufileaclaimfordisabilitybenefits.YouwillberesponsibleforpayinganycostsassociatedwiththecompletionoftheAttendingPhysician’sStatement.

IfTheStandardrequestsit,youmayberequiredtoprovideevidenceofcontinuingdisabilityatyourexpense.Insomecases,aphysicianhiredbyTheStandardmayberequiredtoexamineyoutodeterminedisability.Insuchcases,TheStandardwillpaythecostsoftheexamination.

Denial, Suspension, or Termination of a Disability Claim

TheStandardwillnotifyyouinwritingifyourdisabilityclaimisdenied,suspended,orterminated.TheStandardwilloutlinethereasonsforsuchaction,referringtotheGroupPolicyprovisionsonwhichthedenial,suspension,orterminationisbased.Duringtheapprovalordenialprocess,youmaybetoldthatadditionalinformationisrequiredfromyouandwhyitisneeded.

Filing a Disability Claim

All forms must be mailed to The Standard no later than 90 days after the end of your benefit waiting period.

For your convenience,click on the link below to :

Disability Claim Packet and Instructions 8

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Appeal Procedures

Ifyourclaimisdenied,suspended,orterminated,youwillbeinformedbyTheStandardofwhatstepsyoucantaketoresubmityourclaimforreviewandreconsideration.Ifyoudisagreewiththeamountofdisabilitybenefitsbeingpaidorifyourclaimisdenied,suspended,orterminated,youmayaskforareviewandsubmitanyadditionalinformationyoufeelmaybehelpfulinordertoreevaluateyourclaim.YoumustmakeyourrequestinwritingtoTheStandardwithin180daysafteryoureceivednoticeofthedenial,suspension,ortermination.

Ifanyadditionalinformationisneededtoprocessyourappeal,itwillbepromptlyrequestedfromyou.ThedecisiononanyreviewofyourappealwillbeprovidedtoyouinwritingfromTheStandard.Thereasonsforthedecisionwillbefullyexplained,withreferencetotheapplicableprovisionsoftheGroupPolicy.

Ordinarily,adecisiononyourappealwillbereachedwithin45daysafterthereceiptofyourreviewrequest.However,inspecialcircumstances,anadditional45daysmaybenecessarytoreachafinaldecision.Theobligationtoprovidedisabilitybenefitsisprimarilythatoftheinsurancecarrier(TheStandard)andsecondarilythatofMPERS’Board.Ifyouaredenieddisabilitybenefitsafterfollowingtheappealprocedureslistedabove,youmayappealthedecisionbyfilingapetitionagainsttheinsurancecarrierinacourtoflawinyourcountyofresidence.NeitherMPERSnoritsBoardofTrusteesareliableforthedisabilitybenefitsprovidedbytheinsurancecarrierandarenotsubjecttosuitwithregardtodisabilitybenefitsunlessyouobtainajudgmentagainsttheinsurancecarrierandtheyareunabletosatisfyyourjudgment.

New Disabilities

Ifaperiodofdisabilityisextendedbyanewcauseduringthebenefitwaitingperiodorwhilebenefitsarepayable,benefitswillcontinuewhileyouremaindisabled.However,benefitswillnotcontinuebeyondtheendoftheoriginalmaximumbenefitperiod,andallotherprovisionsoftheGroupPolicywillapplytothenewcauseofdisability.Ifyoutemporarilyrecoverduringyourbenefitwaitingperiodandtheperiodofrecoverydoesnotexceedatotalof30days,anewbenefitwaitingperiodisnotrequired.

Filing a Disability Claim

Notice of Decision on Claim

Within 45 days after The Standard receives your claim, they will send you:

a. A written decision on your claim; orb. A notice that they are extending the

period another 30 days to decide your claim.

Before the end of the extension period, The Standard will send you:

a. A written decision on your claim; orb. A notice that they are extending the

period another 30 days to decide your claim.

The Standard will notify you of the following:

a. The reason(s) for the extension.b. When they expect to decide your claim.c. An explanation of The Standards on which

entitlement to benefits is based.d. The unresolved issue(s) preventing a

decision.e. Any additional information needed to

resolve those issues.






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Return to Work Incentive

Whetherornotyouremployerutilizesthereturntoworkprovisionisdependentontheirabilitytoaccommodateapart-timeworkschedule.Unlessotherwiserequiredbylaw,agenciesarenotobligatedtoaccommodatepart-timeworkschedules.

Youareeligibleforthereturntoworkincentiveonthefirstdayyouworkafterthebenefitwaitingperiodifdisabilitybenefitsarepayableonthatdate.Thereturntoworkincentivechanges24monthsafterthatdate,asfollows:

1. Duringthefirst24months,yourworkearningswillbedeductibleincomeasdeterminedin(a),(b),and(c)below:a. Determinetheamountofyourdisabilitybenefitasiftherewerenodeductibleincome,

andaddyourworkearningstothatamount.b. Determine100%ofyourindexedpre-disabilityearnings.c. If(a)isgreaterthan(b),thedifferencewillbedeductibleincome.

2. Afterthosefirst24months,50%ofyourworkearningswillbedeductibleincome.

Worksite Modifications and Personal Aids

Tohelpyoureturntoactiveworkassoonasyouareable,TheStandardhasaWorksiteModification/AidExpenseBenefit.Thisbenefitreimbursesyouremployerupto$25,000formodificationsmadetoyourworksite,whichresultinareturntowork.TheworksitemodificationsorpersonalaidsaresubjecttoTheStandard’spriorapproval.

• Generallyspeaking,thisbenefitispayableforworksitemodificationsorpersonalaids,butTheStandardwillconsiderothertypesofassistance.

• Toutilizethisbenefit,contactyouremployertodiscusspossibilitiesorassistance.YouandyouremployermaycontactTheStandardtofurtherexplorepossibleassistance.

• InmostcasestheWorksiteModification/AidExpenseBenefitwillbepaiddirectlytoyouremployerorthevendorprovidingthemodification.Ifpaiddirectlytoyou,thebenefitwillbeconsideredataxablebenefit.

Rehabilitation Plan Provision

Whileyouarereceivingdisabilitybenefits,youmayqualifytoparticipateinarehabilitationplan.Rehabilitationplanmeansawrittenplan,programorcourseofvocationaltrainingoreducationthatisintendedtoprepareyoutoreturntowork.

ToparticipateinarehabilitationplanyoumustapplyinwritingtoTheStandard.Theterms,conditionsandobjectivesoftheplanmustbeacceptedbyyouandapprovedbyTheStandardinadvance.TheStandardhasthesolediscretiontoapprovetherehabilitationplan.

AnapprovedrehabilitationplanmayincludepaymentbyTheStandardofsomeoralloftheexpensesyouincurinconnectionwiththeplan,including:

• Trainingandeducationexpenses• Familycareexpenses• Job-relatedexpenses• Jobsearchexpenses

Returning to Work

Providing incentives for disabled employees to return to work is critical for any successful rehabilitation plan. Frequently, this means that claimants who return to work will receive more total income than those who do not.





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Workplace Possibilities Program

TheStandardprovidesaunique,proactiveapproachtohelpingkeepmembersatworkandproductive.TheStandardofferstheWorkplacePossibilitiesProgramtoassistemployeeswhomaybeaffectedbyanillnessormedicalconditionbyofferingconsultationsthatmayleadtoprovidingaccommodationsorservicestopromoteahealthierworkplace.Examplescouldincludeergonomicevaluationforspecializedseating,sit/standworkstation(forthosewhoneedtochangepositionsfrequentlythroughouttheworkday),liftingdevices,specializedshoes,etc.

TheStandardunderstandsworkplacepressuresfromboththeemployeeandtheemployerpointofview.Andtheyknowthatthelinebetweenworkandtherestofanemployee’slifecanbeafineone.That’swhyTheStandardfocusesonprogramsthathelpemployerskeeptheiremployeesbothhealthyandhappy.Thegoalistoreduceincidentsandtheirduration,andtohelpemployeescontinuetocontributetotheirorganizationinameaningfulway.

TheStandard’sWorkplacePossibilitiesProgramfeaturesalocalWorkplacePossibilitiesConsultantwhoworkswithyouandyouremployer.TheStandard’sconsultanttakesanon-sitecomprehensiveviewoftheworkplace,assistingtheemployerinidentifyingpotentialergonomicrisksandmakingmodificationsthatremovebarrierstoproductivity.

Temporary Recovery

Ifyoutemporarilyrecoverfromyourdisabilityforaperiodoftime,butlatersufferarelapseandbecomedisabledagainfromthesamecauseorcauses,youmaynothavetobeginanewbenefitwaitingperioddependingonthelengthoftheperiodoftemporaryrecovery.

Anewbenefitwaitingperiodisnotrequiredif:

• Thetemporaryrecoveryoccursduringthebenefitwaitingperiodandtheperiodofrecoverydoesnotexceedatotalof30days.

• Theperiodofrecoveryoccursduringthemaximumbenefitperiodanddoesnotexceed180consecutivedays.

Ifyourtemporaryrecoverydoesnotexceedtheallowableperiodsoutlinedabove,thefollowingprovisionswillapply:

• Nobenefitswillbepayablefortheperiodoftemporaryrecovery.• Thetemporaryrecoveryperiodwillnotcounttowardyourbenefitwaitingperiod,oryour

maximumbenefitperiod.• Thepre-disabilityearningsusedtodetermineyourbenefitswillnotchange.• Nobenefitswillbepaidafterbenefitsbecomepayableunderanyothergrouplong-term

disabilitypolicyduringyourtemporaryrecoveryperiod.

Returning to Work

For more information, view the informational brochure below

and check out the blog.

Website:

http://workplacepossibilities.com/

Informational Brochure:

http://workplacepossibilities.com/wp-content/uploads/Reworking-Return-to-Work.pdf?utm_source=resources&utm_medium=download&utm_campaign=Reworking-R-T-W-DL

Blog:

http://workplacepossibilities.com/blog/

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http://workplacepossibilities.com/











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Exclusions

Yourdisabilitybenefitissubjecttocertainexclusionsandlimitations.Youarenotcoveredforadisabilitycausedorcontributedtoby:

• Apre-existingconditionorthemedicalorsurgicaltreatmentofapre-existingcondition,unless,onthedateyoubecomedisabled,you:(1)havebeencontinuouslyinsuredundertheGroupPolicyfor12months(exclusionperiod)and(2)havebeenactivelyatworkforatleastonefulldayaftertheendofthose12months.Thispre-existingconditionexclusionappliesonlytopersonswhobecomemembersafterJuly1,2004.

• Anintentionallyself-inflictedinjury,whilesane.• War,oranyactofwar.• Thelossofyourprofessionallicense,occupationallicenseorcertification.• Committingorattemptingtocommitanassaultorfelony,oractivelyparticipatingina

violentdisorderorriot.Activelyparticipatingdoesnotincludebeingatthesceneofaviolentdisorderorriotwhileperformingyourofficialduties.

Limitations

Disabilitybenefitsarenotpayablefor:

• AnyperiodofdisabilitywhenyouarenotunderthecontinuouscareofaphysicianintheappropriatespecialtyasdeterminedbyTheStandard.

• Morethan24monthsduringyourlifetimeforadisabilitycausedorcontributedtobyuseofalcohol,alcoholism,useofanydrug,includinghallucinogens,ordrugaddiction.

• Paymentofdisabilitybenefitsislimitedto12monthsforeachperiodofcontinuousdisabilitywhenyouresideoutsideoftheUnitedStatesorCanada.

• Anyperiodofdisabilitywhenyouarenotparticipatingingoodfaithinaplan,programorcourseofmedicaltreatmentorvocationaltrainingoreducationapprovedbyTheStandardunlessyourdisabilitypreventsyoufromparticipating.

• Nodisabilitybenefitswillbepaidforanyperiodofdisabilitywhenyouareconfinedforanyreasoninapenalorcorrectionalinstitution.

Exclusions and Limitations





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Survivor Benefits

Ifyoudiewhilereceivingdisabilitybenefits,andonthedateyoudieyouhavebeencontinuouslydisabledforatleast180days,TheStandardwillpayasurvivorbenefittoyoureligiblesurvivor.Thisbenefitisalumpsumequaltothreetimesyourmonthlydisabilitybenefit,withoutreductionbydeductibleincome.Thesurvivor’sbenefitisintendedtomeetaportionofyourfamily’sfinancialneedsintheeventofyourdeath.Thebenefitwillbepaidtoyoursurvivingspouse,yourunmarriedchildrenunderage25,oryourspouse’sunmarriedchildrenunderage25.Ifyouarenotsurvivedbyaneligiblespouseorchildren,nosurvivorbenefitwillbepaid.

IntheeventthereisanoverpaymentoutstandingtoTheStandardatthetimeofyourdeath,thesurvivorbenefitwillfirstbeappliedtowardtheoverpayment.

Calculating Your Retirement Benefit

Forretirementpurposesonly,youwillcontinuetoaccrueserviceandsalarycreditwhilereceivingdisabilitybenefits(asifyouwerestillworking)oruntilyoureachnormalretirementeligibilityintheplanyouareamemberof.IfyouareaYear2000Planor2011Tiermember,yourrateofpay(pre-disability)willbeindexedeachyearinthemonthyourdateofdisabilityoccurred,toreflectacost-of-livingadjustment(COLA).TheannualCOLArateisbasedon80%oftheincreaseintheConsumerPriceIndexforAllUrbanConsumersfortheUnitedStates,nottoexceed5%.MPERSwillsendyouaretirementpacketapproximately120dayspriortothelaterofyourdateofretirementeligibilityorthedateyourdisabilitybenefitisscheduledtoend.TherateofpayisnotindexedforClosedPlanmembers.

Miscellaneous Information

Applying for Retirement

MPERS will send you a retirement packet approximately 120 days prior to the later of your date of retirement eligibility or the date your disability benefit is scheduled to end.




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www.mpers.org

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MoDOT & Patrol Employees’ Retirement SystemMailing Address:POBox1930sJeffersonCity,MO65102-1930Office Address:1913WilliamStreetsJeffersonCity,MO65109

Phone: (573)298-6080sToll Free:(800)270-1271Fax:(573)522-6111sEmail:[email protected]

www.mpers.org

September2015

Disability Timeline

Date ofDisability

The Standard’sBenefit Waiting

Period

6-MonthsSocial SecurityWaiting Period

24-MonthsOwn Occ/Any Occ

EarlyRetirement

NormalRetirement

LTDBenefitWaitingPeriod-Thelongerof:• 180days;or• Theperiodofpaidsickleavetowhichyouareentitledundertheemployer’ssickleaveprogram.

WRDBenefitWaitingPeriod-Thelongerof:• Theperiodofpaidsickleavetowhichyouareentitledundertheemployer’ssickleaveprogram;or• Theperiodendingonthedateofthedeterminationthatyouhavereachedyourmaximummedicalimprovement

undertheMissouriWorkers’CompensationLaw.

Afterthefirst24monthsthatdisabilitybenefitsarepayable,disabilitychangesfromyour“OwnOccupation”to“AnyOccupation.”Inotherwords,youaredisabledfromalloccupationsif,asaresultofphysicaldisease,injury,pregnancyormentaldisorder,youareunabletoperformwithreasonablecontinuitythematerialdutiesofanyoccupation.

IfyouareapprovedforSocialSecuritydisability,yourfirstSocialSecuritydisabilitybenefitwillbepaidthesixthfullmonthafterthedateyourdisabilitybegan.Toavoidreceivingoverpayments,youmustnotifyTheStandardInsuranceCompanyifyoubeginreceivingbenefitsfromWorkers’CompensationorSocialSecuritywhilereceivingdisabilitybenefits.

ThedateyoufirstbecomedisabledasdeterminedbyTheStandardInsuranceCompany.AllformsmustbecompletedandmailedtoTheStandardInsuranceCompanyno later than 90 daysaftertheendofyourbenefitwaitingperiod.

Approximately120daypriortothedateyouareeligibleforearly(reduced)retirement,MPERSwillsendyouaretirementpacket.Youarenotrequiredtoretireearly;youcanwaituntilyouareeligiblefornormalretirement.

Approximately120dayspriortothedateyouareeligiblefornormalretirement,MPERSwillsendyouaretirementpacket.Generallyspeaking,yourdisabilitybenefitendswhenyoubecomeeligiblefornormalretirementintheplanyouareamemberof,electearlyretirement,orasdeterminedbyyouragewhenyourdisabilitybegan.(See the “When Benefits End - LTD and WRD Disability” section on page 12 of this handbook.)





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Disability HANDBOOK · 2015-08-25 · Summary of Disability Benefits Automatically Enrolled If you...

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