Long-Term Disability Answers for SEIU Bargaining Units
On this page you will find answers to common questions about long-term disability for SEIU. For additional LTD information, resources, and support, visit Leave and Disability: Long-Term Disability.
What is Long-Term Disability?
Long-Term Disability provides you with a monthly income if you are totally disabled for more than six months.
2. Who is eligible to receive LTD benefits?
Regular full-time and part-time (appointed to work at least 17.5 hours or more per week) staff who
are members of SEIU 1199 Upstate-SMH and SEIU Local 200 United-River Campus are eligible for
Long-Term Disability Insurance upon completion of one year of service with the University.
The one year service requirement is waived for individuals who apply for coverage within three months after leaving another employer-sponsored group long-term disability plan which guaranteed income benefits for at least five years during disability. The LTD service requirement waiver must be completed to waive the service requirement.
3. When do I enroll in LTD?
You must enroll in the LTD Plan within one month (30 days) of appointment, although coverage does not begin until you have one continuous year of service. A full-time staff member is required to sign an application form electing Full or Limited Long-Term Disability Insurance. A part-time staff member is required to sign a form electing Full or Limited Long-Term Disability Insurance, or a waiver indicating that the part-time member does not choose to enroll for Long-Term Disability Insurance.
4. What is the difference between Limited LTD and Full LTD?
The difference between the two plans is the amount of annual salary that is covered if you are approved for Long-Term Disability benefits.
Limited LTD Insurance provides income protection for 60% of annual salary up to a maximum covered annual salary of $30,000. This means that the maximum benefit payable on Long-Term Disability is $1,500 per month.
Full LTD Insurance provides income protection for 60% of annual salary up to a maximum covered annual salary of $70,000.
5. What is considered “annual salary” under the LTD plan?
Annual salary means the individual’s standard annual hours times his or her hourly rate of pay.
6. Are there age limits to the plan?
If you become fully disabled before age 60, Long-Term Disability Plan benefits will continue until the disability ends or you reach age 65, whichever comes first. If a disability begins after the attainment of age 60 but before age 68, Long-Term Disability benefits will end five years after the beginning of the disability or when you reach age 70, whichever comes first. If a disability begins at age 68 or later, Long-Term Disability benefits will continue for 24 months.
7. How much does LTD coverage cost?
SEIU 1199 Upstate – SMH
| Coverage Type | Full-Time Employee | Part-Time Employee |
| Limited LTD Coverage | UR Paid | 67 cents per bi-weekly pay period for each $1,000 of covered annual salary, up to $30,000 |
| Full LTD Coverage | 67 cents per bi-weekly pay period for each $1,000 of covered annual salary, above $30,000 | 67 cents per bi-weekly pay period for each $1,000 of covered annual salary |
SEIU Local 200 United – River Campus
| Coverage Type | Full-Time Employee | Part-Time Employee |
| Limited LTD Coverage | UR Paid | 77 cents per bi-weekly pay period for each $1,000 of covered annual salary, up to $30,000 |
| Full LTD Coverage | 77 cents per bi-weekly pay period for each $1,000 of covered annual salary, above $30,000 | 77 cents per bi-weekly pay period for each $1,000 of covered annual salary |
LTD plan deductions will be taken in the first two paydays of each month. In months containing three paydays, LTD plan deductions will not be taken from the third payday.
8. Can I cancel my enrollment in Full Long-Term Disability Insurance?
You may cancel Full Long-Term Disability Insurance at any time; the cancellation takes effect at the beginning of the next pay period. If you cancel Full Long-Term Disability Insurance and later wish to add this coverage, you must submit a statement of health for approval by the insurance company. Full-time employees cannot waive Long-Term Disability coverage completely; Limited coverage is the lowest level of coverage a full-time employee can elect.
A part-time staff member may waive or decrease their Long-Term Disability coverage at any time; the waiver (or decrease) takes effect at the beginning of the next pay period. A part-time employee who later wishes to increase coverage levels must submit a statement of health for approval by the insurance company
9. Can I increase my Long-Term Disability coverage?
If you wish to increase coverage levels after your first month of appointment, you must submit a statement of health for approval by the insurance company. This form is available by contacting Leave Administration at 585-275-3525.
10. I am out of work because of a disability, how do I use my LTD coverage?
If you become disabled and your disability is expected to continue beyond six months, the Insurance Carrier will send instructions for filing a claim for LTD benefits to your home. It is your responsibility to complete the claim forms and to return the completed forms to the Insurance Carrier, currently The Hartford.
11. What benefits do I receive from the Long-Term Disability Plan?
If approved, you will receive a monthly income benefit equal to 60% of covered annual salary. Any other income that qualifies as Benefits from Other Sources will be subtracted from this benefit. The amount of annual salary that qualifies as covered annual salary depends on whether you have elected Limited or Full coverage. The LTD Benefit (maximum $3,500 per month; minimum $50 per month) is calculated based on your covered annual salary at the time disability began.
12. Do I have to pay for LTD coverage when I am out on a Short-Term Disability or Workers’ Compensation claim?
Yes, you are still responsible for paying your LTD premium while you are out on an STD or WC claim.
13. What benefits do I receive through the University while I am out on an approved LTD claim?
You can enroll in the University medical plan within 30 days of your LTD approval. The Office of Total Rewards will bill you for the premium on a quarterly basis. Additional benefit questions should be directed to the Office of Total Rewards.
14. I earn less than $30,000 annually; can I still enroll in Full LTD coverage?
Yes. If you earn less than $30,000 annually, there is still an important distinction between Limited LTD and Full LTD coverage. Limited LTD coverage will protect annual salary up to $30,000. While this might cover your entire salary now, Limited LTD coverage will cap covered annual salary at $30,000 even if you earn more in the future. Electing Full LTD coverage will cover your annual salary now, and will continue to cover annual salary up to $70,000.
15. I enrolled in Full LTD but I don’t see any deductions coming out of my paycheck?
Coverage and deductions begin after you have completed one year of service unless you completed the LTD coverage credit form. If you are a full-time employee with full coverage and earn less than $30,000 annually, you will not see any employee deductions until you earn more than $30,000.
16. What is the LTD Credit I see in my paycheck?
The University pays for the first $30,000 in LTD coverage for full-time employees. The payroll system deducts the premium on your entire salary, and then pays you back in the form of the LTD Credit. The actual amount you pay for LTD coverage is the After-Tax deduction minus the LTD Credit.