DISABILITY & ABSENCE MANAGEMENT
Your Guide to Disability and Absence Filing
Test
MetLife makes it easy and efficient to file your disability claim or report your leave of absence. We are with you every step of the way and here is what to expect.
Filing Your Disability Claim and What to Expect
Taking a leave of absence
Watch this video for a step-by-step overview on how to take a leave of absence from your job.
Filing for Disability or Leave: The Start-to-Finish Process
Step 1: Let Someone Know
Whether you require Short-Term Disability or are seeking support for a paid or unpaid leave of absence through the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other programs, please let your supervisor or manager know as soon as possible.
Step 2: File Your Claim on MyBenefits Portal*
MetLife’s MyBenefits portal makes it easy to submit a claim, upload necessary documentation and easily track your claim status. You may need to provide your Employee ID number to register.
Register or Login to MyBenefits
After you file, you will receive a reference number to help you track and manage your claim.
*Online claim submissions are not available to all groups, typically groups with under 1,000 employees. Please call 888-608-6665 if you are not eligible to file online with MyBenefits.
Benefits of filing a claim online
Step 3: Review Your Claims Acknowledgement
After you file, we’ll mail you a customized packet with information to help you understand your leave and benefits. Your packet will include guidance on any additional documentation we may need to process your claim. If you’re eligible for benefits and we have everything we need, your claim may be approved right away.
What if I need to provide additional information?
A MetLife representative may also contact you to discuss any outstanding information we need to process your claim. If applicable:
- You can submit additional forms or information through MyBenefits. Go to Claims Center > Claim Detail Page > Details Tab > Add Comment/Document.
- If you are taking medical leave, your packet may include a Medical Authorization form. This allows your healthcare provider to speak with us and provide us the information we need to process your claim. Sign and return this form as soon as possible to keep the process moving quickly and give a copy to your healthcare provider.
We’re here to help, reach out at any time.
Step 4: Await Decision
Get real time claim updates at your MyBenefits portal. We also recommend signing up for email and text alerts when you file your disability claim or note your preferences in the Communication Preference section on MyBenefits.
What happens when your claim is approved?
If approved, you will be notified online and/or through your preferred method of communication. Your claim approval will tell you how much leave has been approved. For a disability or paid leave claim, the total benefit amount and payment method will be included.
What if I need help with a filed claim?
We’re always here to help. If you have questions about the status of your claim and need additional support, contact us through the MyBenefits portal or contact your MetLife representative.
What if my claim is denied?
We will call you and provide written communication if your claim is denied. This will include rationale for the decision and applicable appeal information.
Step 5: Confirm Return-to-Work Date
Depending on your type of leave, you may need to let your manager know your expected return-to-work date and MetLife may reach out to confirm your plans.
What if I need to extend my leave?
If your situation evolves or things don’t go according to plan, we’ll work with you and, if relevant, your healthcare provider to understand what additional leave you might need. Claim extensions require close communication between you, MetLife, your employer and your healthcare provider. We’ll be there to help facilitate.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re unable to work due to an accident, illness or other condition, you need time to recover and heal. Your bills, unfortunately, are unlikely to take a break.
Disability insurance can help support your finances while you take care of yourself.
It’s supplemental insurance that can help protect a portion of your income if you can’t work due to a qualifying illness or injury.
There are two types of disability insurance plans: short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD). Short-term disability insurance can cover situations in which an employee is temporarily unable to work but may ultimately return to work.
Long-term disability insurance can financially help employees who may be unable to work for an extended period of time or even permanently.
Compensation under these plans differs by plan and carrier. Short-term disability typically provides a higher percentage of an employee’s pay for a shorter period of time (from a few days to a few months). Long-term disability, on the other hand, can pay a lower percentage but provides payouts for a longer period of time.
Some individuals may need to transition from short-term disability to long-term disability, therefore it is important to first understand the difference between short-term disability and long-term disability.
The biggest difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance is the period of time you’ll receive benefits if you’re unable to work. While policies vary, short-term disability insurance typically covers you for a term between 3-6 months.
Should you need disability benefits for a longer term than your short-term disability benefits allow, you can apply to extend your benefits or transition to long-term disability coverage if applicable. Long-term disability is intended to provide benefits for a longer period, and benefit periods are typically defined in terms of years.
With most group disability plans, the employer selects the maximum duration of benefits. Examples of frequently offered maximum benefit periods are two years, five years, and to age 65. Policies with shorter maximum benefit periods typically have lower premiums.
Disability coverage that replaces at least 60 percent of your after-tax income is generally recommended.
To estimate the benefit amount you would need if you became disabled, ask yourself how much monthly income would cover your living expenses. Household expenses may include mortgage and car payments, groceries and childcare. Consider all these factors to help you come up with an appropriate amount of coverage level.
The MetLife Disability Calculator is another handy resource you can use to estimate the amount of disability insurance income you would need to help maintain your current standard of living.
If you satisfy the definition of disability, benefit payments will begin after you have met a waiting period – a plan-defined period of time, starting with the date you are disabled from work and the number of days you must continue to be disabled until benefits begin. Most group long-term disability plans have an elimination period of 90 days or 180 days. Under group plans, the employer selects the elimination period.
Need Help?
MetLife is here every step of the way to guide you in your claims process.
Ready to file your claim?
Now that you know the process, start your claim online now.*
* Online claim submissions are not available to all groups, typically groups with under 1,000 employees. Please call 888-608-6665 if you are not eligible to file online with MyBenefits.