Short Term Disability

Weekly benefit after your claim is approved

• You will receive a check for your benefits on a weekly basis. It will replace 70% of your Total Weekly Earnings, up to $1,100 each week.

When benefits begin

• Benefits begin as soon as 6 days from the date you are unable to work due to an injury and 6 days due to an illness, or after you’ve used your accumulated sick leave, whichever is greater.

Benefits may be paid for

• Up to 25 weeks, as long as you are still unable to work due to a covered disability.

Additional plan information

• This plan provides a benefit for covered disabilities resulting from illness or injury that are not work-related.

How do I file a Short-Term Disability claim?

• If you become disabled after the effective date of coverage, check with your employer to make sure you are eligible for benefits. You can file a claim with us by downloading forms from our website. We’ll ask you and your doctor to provide information about your medical condition and your expected recovery.

How do I qualify for benefits?

• You’ll start receiving disability payments if you satisfy the Elimination Period (see “When benefits begin” in the table) and meet the policy’s definition of disability. Generally, disability is defined as your inability to perform some or all of your job duties due to your injury, illness or pregnancy and may require that you have also had a certain percentage of earnings loss due to your disability. Please see your Certificate for details.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

• If you become disabled within 12 months of your insurance taking effect or 12 months following any increase in your amount of insurance, we will not pay any benefit for any pre-existing condition. A pre-existing condition includes anything you have sought treatment for in the 3 months prior to your insurance becoming effective. Treatment can include consultation, advice, care, services or a prescription for drugs or medicine 

How is my benefit taxed?

• If you or your employer pays for all or part of the cost of coverage on a pre-tax basis, all or part of your benefit amount will be Form W-2 taxable income. In these situations, FICA tax deductions may reduce the amount we will pay you

The following coverage(s) do not constitute comprehensive health insurance (often referred to as “major medical coverage”). They do NOT provide basic hospital, basic medical, or major medical insurance.

To become insured, you must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by your employer. Your coverage effective date will be determined by the Policy and may be delayed if you are not actively at work on the date your coverage would otherwise go into effect. Refer to your Certificate for details.

Limitations and exclusions

• The below exclusions and limitations may vary by state law and regulations. This list may not be comprehensive. Please see the Certificate or ask your benefits administrator for details.

Short-Term Disability

• We will not pay a benefit that is caused by, contributed to in any way or resulting from: intentionally self-inflicted injuries; committing or attempting to commit an assault, felony or other criminal act; war or an act of war; active participation in a riot, rebellion or insurrection; operation of a motorized vehicle while intoxicated. We will not pay a benefit for any accident or sickness covered by Worker’s Compensation or similar law; or for any work-related illness or injuries unless otherwise stated previously; or if you do not submit proof of your loss as required by us (this covers medical examination, continuing care, death certificate, medical records, etc.).

This Overview is preliminary to the issuance of the Policy. Refer to your Certificate for details. Receipt of this Overview does not constitute approval of coverage under the Policy. In the event of a discrepancy between this Overview, the Certificate and the Policy, the terms of the Policy will govern. Product offerings may not be available in all states and may vary depending on state laws and regulations

Employee - monthly rate for Short-Term Disability.

Rates are effective as of August 1, 2022.

Short-Term Disability coverage is contributory. You are responsible for paying for all or a part of the cost through payroll deduction. Follow the example below to figure out your monthly and pay period costs.

Example weekly benefit                       Divide by 10              Multiply by rate           Example monthly cost
(70% of earnings)

      $350.00                                           /10 = 35                     x  0.40                          =            $14.00   

Short term disability claim forms include:

• Employee Section
• Attending Physician Section
• Employer Section

These forms can be access by contacting the benefit office, we will assist you with the claim process. 

Sun Life Short Term Disability Plan Description

Sun Life Short Term Disability Contract