disability handbook · 2015-08-25 · summary of disability benefits automatically enrolled if you...
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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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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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Interactive Table of Contents
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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.
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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.
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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.
Disability Benefit Amount
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.
Disability Benefit Amount
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.
Disability Benefit Amount
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.
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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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15Phone: (573) 298-6080 | Toll Free: (800) 270-1271 | Email: [email protected]
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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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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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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.)