Disability and Absence Services
The need to be better prepared for life events that keep us out of work has become more important than ever before. Disability insurance may help provide a steady stream of income to help cover your bills and expenses when an injury or illness keeps you away from work.
For Plan Details, Contact 1-888-639-2363.
Help replace a portion of your income if you cannot work1
If you lost your ability to earn income, how would you pay for your bills and provide for your family? In the event of a disability, you need coverage that's quickly accessible and payments that help you to cover everyday expenses. Enrollment is simple but the benefits are significant.
- May help replace a portion of your income when you are unable to work due to sickness, pregnancy, chronic condition or accidental injury.
- Benefit payments are made directly to you and you decide how to spend the money.
- Helps you meet your day-to-day financial obligations so your long-term goals can stay on track.
Did you know disability insurance and workers’ compensation are not the same thing? Workers’ compensation only applies if you are hurt at work. Disability insurance covers you when you’re unable to work because of illness or injury — whether suffered at work or not.
Resources
Disability Insurance FAQs
Consider any expenses you may incur in the running of your household, including car payments, mortgage payments, groceries, child care, tuition and more, that would still need to be covered in the event of a disability.
Depending upon the amount of coverage you choose, payment will be made directly to you — not your employer, hospital, doctor or insurance company.
Enrolling in a plan is not mandatory, but it is a good idea and an affordable way that may help protect your income. Without disability insurance, you may need to use your savings or tap into other assets to cover your essential living expenses while you recover from an accident or illness.
A claim can be initiated quickly and efficiently by requesting a Short-Term Disability claim packet in person or via phone from your local HR.
If you are unable to report an absence or request a claim due to disability, you may have another person act on your behalf. You have ninety days from the date your illness or injury has occurred to submit a claim under Short-term disability.
Note: If you are intending to file a disability claim, NEXCOM recommends you initiate the claim as soon as possible, in the event of a scheduled leave of absence or no longer than 12 weeks from the date of illness/injury. Do not send claims directly to MetLife to prevent any delays in claim review or benefit payments.
Report absence to employer. Contact your direct report (Director, Supervisor, or Manager) on your first day of absence that you will be out of work due to illness/injury and advise if the absence is expected to last more than two consecutive months. Discuss Family Medical and Leave Act (FMLA) with your local Human Resources Office.
Tony hurt his back
If serious injury or illness keeps you from working, disability insurance may help you maintain your quality of life while recovering.
Special Considerations
If you work in a state with state-mandated disability or paid medical leave benefits (“State Benefits”), you should carefully consider whether to enroll for this coverage. In California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Washington (and Connecticut starting 1/1/22, Oregon starting 1/1/23, and Colorado starting 1/1/24), if eligible, you must apply for State Benefits. Your STD benefit will be reduced by State Benefits or other government benefits that apply. Depending on your compensation, the amount of the State Benefit, and other factors, you may only receive the minimum weekly benefit. Please consider, based on your individual circumstances, whether you need additional coverage beyond the State Benefit.
1 Like most disability income insurance policies, MetLife’s policies contain certain exclusions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force. Ask your MetLife representative about costs and complete details. For policies issued in New York: These policies provide disability income insurance only. They do NOT provide basic hospital, basic medical or major medical insurance as defined by the New York State Department of Financial Services. The expected benefit ratio for these policies is at least 50%. This ratio is the portion of future premiums that MetLife expects to return as benefits when averaged over all people with the applicable policy.
2 LIMRA, U.S. Workplace Disability Insurance Sales and In Force Survey, Year-End 2020.