Disability Insurance

Short Term Disability Insurance

Voluntary short term disability is a non-occupational, voluntary short term disability program which pays you a weekly benefit amount if you cannot work because of a disabling illness or injury. This benefit must be purchased by employees.

Employees desiring coverage must apply within the first 30 days of employment, within 30 days after a mid-year qualifying event or during an open enrollment period.

This is an overview of your voluntary short term disability. Once a group policy is issued to your employer, a certificate of insurance will be available to explain your coverage in detail.

Please contact The Hartford Short Term Disability line directly at 1-800-549-6514 for any questions or concerns regarding filing a claim.

Teachers and Employees Association (TEA)

You may enroll by going to Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company (The Hartford) website. The Login Information is as follows:

Login ID	Password Information
Your login ID is your employee ID Number.	Your password is your first and last name initials in lowercase followed by your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
For example: John Smith's employee ID number is W0000099999. His login ID is W0000099999.	For example: John Smith's birth date is October 25, 1963. His password is js10251963.
	You will be required to reset your password during your initial login.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your insurance limits the benefits you receive for pre-existing conditions. In general, if you were diagnosed or received care for a condition for 3 months before the effective date of your insurance, you will be covered for a disability due to that condition only if:

you have not received treatment for your condition for 3 months after the effective date of your insurance, or
you have been insured under this insurance for 12 months before your disability starts, so you can receive benefits even if you're receiving treatment

This benefit highlight overview of the DisabilityFLEX coverage being offered is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It in no way changes or affects the policy as actually issued. Only the insurance policy issued to the policyholder (your employer) can fully describe all of the provisions, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of your insurance coverage. In the event of any difference between the benefit highlights and the insurance policy, the terms of the insurance policy apply.

Long Term Disability Insurance

What is Long Term Disability?

The State of Kansas and Kansas State University provides an employer paid Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD) plan to all benefit eligible employees. LTD offers income protection if an employee becomes unable to work due to illness or injury. Davies Life and Health is the underwriter for this plan.

Eligibility & Coverage

Eligibility Begins: First day of employment in a benefits-eligible position
Requirements: Must apply for Social Security Disability benefits and exhaust all administrative remedies of the Social Security Administration
Waiting Period: Off work, due to disability, for 180 calendar days and no longer receiving university compensation

Monthly Benefit: Approximately 60% of gross salary
- Minimum: $100

- Maximum: $5,000 (may be reduced by other income sources)

Ongoing Review: Annual disability confirmation may be required by the plan underwriter.

Life Insurance:

- While on approved long-term disability, the Basic Life Insurance benefit will continue to be provided, at no cost.

- KPERS Optional Group Life Insurance coverage can be continued by completing and submitting the Optional Group Life Insurance Continuation form (pdf)

- - The employee pays the same rates as they would during active employment and will pay the premiums directly to The Standard Life Insurance.

LTD Benefits Based on Retirement Plan

Specific LTD benefits are dependent upon the mandatory retirement plan the employee is enrolled in at the time they are approved for LTD benefits.

KPERS (Tiers 1, 2, or 3) Members

Employment ends upon LTD approval and benefit start date.

Benefit Duration:

- Approved before age 60: Until retirement or age 65, whichever comes first.

- Approved at/after age 60: For 5 years or until retirement, whichever comes first.

No access to KPERS/KBOR retirement funds is permitted while receiving LTD benefits.

Eligible employees can choose to retire and stop receiving LTD benefits at their discretion.

KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan Members

Employees are placed on a leave of absence with Kansas State University upon being approved for LTD benefits or upon exhausting their paid leave, whichever comes last.

No employee retirement contributions are permitted while receiving LTD benefits.

Kansas State University contributes a total of 14% (8.5% employee + 5.5% employer) of the employee’s salary to the retirement plan for a maximum of five years, or for the length of LTD eligibility, whichever is less.

LTD Benefit Duration:

- Approved before age 60: Until retirement or age 65, whichever comes first.

- Approved at/after age 60: For 5 years or until retirement, whichever comes first.

No access to KPERS/KBOR retirement funds is permitted while receiving LTD benefits.

Eligible employees can choose to retire (when eligible) and stop receiving LTD benefits at their discretion.

For more information on long term disability benefits, refer to the long-term disability benefit booklet.

Applying for Long Term Disability Benefits

To apply for LTD, contact the Benefits Office at benefits@ksu.edu or 785-532-6277 and they will initiate the application process on your behalf.