Disability & Sick Leave
You accumulate “sick leave” days, for which you will receive full pay if you are injured or ill and cannot work. Disability coverage provides an income replacement benefit once your sick days are exhausted.
Disability coverage provides an income replacement benefit if you are ill or injured and unable to work. It is important to consider how long you would be able to pay your bills if you were unable to work. Short Term Disability replaces your income for a short period of time, and the benefit is payable on day 8 or 31 of your disability, depending on the option selected. Should you remain disabled beyond that time, the Long Term Disability plan pays from your 181st day of disability until Normal Social Security Retirement age.
Disability Insurance is protection for one of your most important assets: your ability to earn an income. Disabling illnesses and injuries are more common than most of us realize. If you're out of work for weeks or months without an income, how would you pay your regular expenses? Disability Insurance could provide the security you need and pays in addition to any accrued sick leave.
Short Term Disability Summary of Benefits
Short Term Disability coverage pays a benefit for disabilities that are shorter in duration. Your sick leave must be exhausted prior to the Short Term Disability plan paying a benefit. The STD plan will coordinate with your other deductible income to replace 60% of your annual earnings. Other deductible income, includes but is not limited to, worker’s compensation, other disability benefits, and retirement.
Below is a summary of the Short Term Disability plan options:
You may elect Short Term Disability at this time with no health questions. The STD plan includes a late applicant provision with a 60 day elimination period for disability claims during the first 12 months of coverage. This applies for sickness and pregnancy. No restriction applies once you have been insured for 12 months (including 2022 coverage).
Long Term Disability Summary of Benefits
Long Term Disability coverage provides an income replacement benefit to age 65 or Social Security Normal Retirement Age if you continue to remain disabled and satisfy the definition of disability. The LTD plan will coordinate with your other deductible income to replace 60% of your annual earnings. Other deductible income includes but is not limited to Social Security, worker’s compensation, other disability benefits, and retirement.
Below is a summary of the Long Term Disability plan:
The Long Term Disability plan pays no benefit for disabilities caused by pre-existing conditions during the first 12 months of coverage. A pre-existing condition is a sickness or injury for which you have been diagnosed, treated, or prescribed medications during the immediate 3 months prior to your coverage effective date. Once you’ve been insured for 12 months (including 2022 coverage), no restriction applies.
Employee Assistance Program
Enrolling in the Baldwin County Schools Long Term Disability Plan through The Standard provides you with crucial coverage in case of extended periods of disability. In addition, your Long Term Disability benefit includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
This program is designed to provide confidential, immediate assistance to help you navigate life's challenges. The EAP offers a range of services to address various aspects of your well-being, including:
- Depression, grief, loss, and emotional well-being
- Family, marital, and other relationship issues
- Life improvement and goal-setting
- Addictions such as alcohol and drug abuse
- Stress or anxiety related to work or family
- Financial and legal concerns
- Identity theft and fraud guidance
The program also includes up to three counseling sessions per issue per year at no cost. These sessions can be conducted in person, over the phone, via video, or through mobile text messaging.
You, your dependents (including children up to 26), and all household members can contact the program's master's level counselors 24/7. Reach out through the mobile app or by phone, online, mobile chat, and email. Access referrals to local support groups, network counselors, community resources, or your health plan.
Explore a wealth of information at members.healthadvocate.com. This includes videos, guides, articles, webinars, resources, self-assessments, and calculators.
Contact the EAP services at (888) 293-6948 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Things to Consider
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Benefits are payable up to Social Security Normal Retirement Age.
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If you are newly electing Long Term Disability coverage, an Evidence of Insurability for medical underwriting is required. STD does not require medical underwriting.
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Disability plans are not portable.
Need to file a claim?
Contact the Baldwin County Benefit Service Center at (877) 395-4741.
