The UT-AAUP Collective Bargaining Agreements (T/TT, Lecturers, Law Faculty) provide for long-term disability coverage of 70% of base salary until the disability is removed, death, or retirement date. For a faculty member with many years to go until retirement, this becomes a substantial benefit.
The UT-AAUP and HR Benefits have recently assisted faculty in applying for and obtaining this disability benefit. The application process includes both the current insurance company (UNUM) and a wrap-around policy with STRS. Faculty should not attempt filing the application without consulting the UT-AAUP and HR Benefits.
Faculty are urged to contact BOTH the UT-AAUP and HR Benefits (419-530-4747) immediately if a long-term disability is being considered. Both UNUM and STRS require that the application be filed within a defined time period of when the disability is determined.
The determination of the starting date can be tricky. If a faculty member goes on FMLA for medical reasons, this could trigger the time period for filing the long-term disability application with UNUM and STRS.
- Application must be filed within one year of the date the disability begins.
- Existing members on June 30, 2013, must have at least 5.00 years of qualifying service credit* on account with STRS Ohio and submit a completed application packet within two years of the last date of contributing service with STRS Ohio, OPERS or SERS.
- New members on or after July 1, 2013, must have at least 10.00 years of qualifying service credit* on account with STRS Ohio and submit a completed application packet within one year of the last date of contributing service with STRS Ohio, OPERS or SERS.
The UT-AAUP should be notified if you go on FMLA for medical reasons.
There are many other features of long-term disability that cannot be covered in this newsletter. For example, there is a waiting period of 180 continuous calendar days before disability payments begin. The working days portion of the 180 days can be covered by accumulated sick leave and/or by the UT-AAUP Sick Leave Bank.
If there are questions, please contact both the UT-AAUP and HR Benefits.
UT-AAUP Executive Board