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IntroductionWhy should I enroll in the Long Term Disability Plan?The purpose of the Long Term Disability Plan is to provide individuals with protection against financial hardships resulting from disability, sickness, accidents and death. The Plan provides continued income during the period an individual is unable to work and receive a regular paycheck.
What is the Group Number for NU participants?The plan does not have a group number.
Eligibility and EnrollmentWho is eligible to participate in the LTD Plan?Benefits eligible faculty and staff scheduled to work at least 17.5 hours per week with at least one year of service are eligible to participate in the LTD Plan.
Why should I consider participating in the LTD Plan?There are many factors which you should consider.
How do I enroll in the LTD Plan?You may enroll in the LTD Plan no later than 31 days from your hire date by completing the online enrollment process using HRIS Self Service. Afterward, you may apply for LTD coverage during Open Enrollment or within 31 days of a qualifying change in family or employment status.
When do I need to enroll?You must enroll in the LTD plan within 31 days from the date of employment or initial benefits eligibility. Coverage will be effective the first of the month following your year of service.
Can I enroll in the LTD Plan if I do not have one year of service?Yes. The one year waiting period is waived if you provide the Benefits Division with documentation that immediately prior to your hire date at NU, you were covered by an employer sponsored LTD plan for the previous year.
Do I need to re enroll in future years to continue Long Term Disability coverage?No. You do not need to re enroll to continue LTD coverage.
Can I cover my spouse or dependent child?No. The purpose of the Long Term Disability Plan is to protect the income of a covered employee, not the income of a family member.
What if I decide not to enroll in the LTD Plan within 31 days of hire but wish to participate in the Plan at a later date?After initial eligibility, an individual may apply to participate in the LTD plan by submitting a completed application showing evidence of good health satisfactory to the Claims Administrator.
Can I drop LTD coverage at any time?Yes. You may drop LTD coverage at any time. Should you wish to obtain LTD coverage at a future date, you must apply for coverage and demonstrate evidence of good health satisfactory to the Claims Administrator.
I'm a new employee. When do I need to enroll in the LTD Plan?New employees must complete the enrollment process no later than 31 days from the date of employment or benefits eligibility.
Effective Dates and ContributionsWhat is the cost?The University's matching Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis. This means that contributions are not subject to income or FICA social security taxes. LTD Contributions will increase or decrease at the time an individual's annual benefits base rate changes.
When does coverage begin?Coverage begins the first of the month following the month an individual accrues one year of service.
Is the premium deducted on a pre-tax or after-tax basis?Contributions deducted are subject to income tax and both Medicare and social security taxes.
I'm paid on a bi-weekly basis. From which paycheck is the LTD premium deducted?Employee contributions for the Long Term Disability Plan are deducted from the first and second paycheck of each month.
Will my contributions remain the same in future years?Long Term Disability contributions are based on an individual's age and salary. Contributions will change as an individual increases in age and salary. Contributions may also change based on the number and duration of Long Term Disability claims. Premium rate changes may occur on a calendar basis.
Do I continue making LTD premium payments while I am receiving LTD benefit payments?No. You premium payments are not made while receiving LTD benefits.
When does LTD coverage end?Coverage ends at separation of employment. There are no conversion provisions.
BenefitsWhat are the benefits?The Plan pays 60% of an individual's weekly wages up to a maximum benefit payment of $11,500 per month.
Are benefit payments subject to taxes?No. Benefit payments are not subject to income taxes.
Can the benefit payment be made directly to my bank account by direct deposit?Yes. Benefit payments may be made by direct deposit.
How do I submit a claim for LTD benefits?To report or submit a claim, a covered employee should first contact a Benefits Counselor to discuss the application process as well as the utilization of accumulated sick and vacation time prior to receiving LTD benefit payments. A completed claim form should be completed by the employee's physician and submitted to the Benefits Division. The claim form will then be forwarded to the University's Office of Risk Management which serves as the Claims Administrator. A Risk Management representative and/or a Medical Consultant physician may contact the employee's physician directly to clarify information presented on the claim form or seek additional information to process the claim quickly and accurately. They may also ask about the nature of the employee's illness or injury, and whether it is occupational or non-occupational; that is, whether it occurred as a result of the employee's job. If a claim is denied, the employee will receive notification from the Claims Administrator and information on the option to appeal the denial decision. The claim form
What qualifies as a disability?A qualifying disability means that an individual is not able to perform his or her duties.
Why is the benefit payment 60% of my salary?Leading insurance companies specializing in disability plans, as well as other insurance companies and employers believe that the purpose of a long term disability plan is to protect loss of income until an employee is able to return to work. It's generally believed that providing complete income replacement (100%) does not encourage employees to return to work. Many LTD plans provide 60% income replacement benefit.
Why is there an elimination period before benefits begin?The purpose of the Long Term Disability Plan is to help employees avoid or minimize the financial burdens that may result from an extended non-work related accident or illness. An elimination period establishes that an injury or illness is a prolonged illness.
How do I continue health insurance coverage while I am disabled?During the period an individual is receiving Long Term Disability benefits, he or she continues health insurance coverage by payroll deduction. The University will continue to contribute its share of the total monthly premium.
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| Plans | Type of Employee | Life Change Event | Benefits FAQ | Benefits Forms | Provider Contact Information Human Resources Home | Jobs | Training & Development | Benefits | Payroll | HRIS | Forms | Policies & Procedures Staff Handbook  | Holiday Schedule | Human Resources Staff.Northwestern Home | Northwestern Calendar: Plan-It Purple | Northwestern Sites A-Z | Northwestern Search Human Resources 720 University Pl. Evanston, IL 60208 Phone: 847-491-7513 Fax: 847-467-2288 E-mail:benefits@northwestern.edu Last updated 11/23/2009 World Wide Web Disclaimer and University Policy Statements © 2009 Northwestern University |
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