Voluntary Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Benefits
What is Voluntary Disability Insurance?
Voluntary Disability Insurance pays you a portion of your salary if you cannot work because of a disabling illness or injury. (Excludes work-related injury or illness) Do you need more information to help decide if disability insurance is right for you?
What is a disability?
Due to accidental bodily injury, sickness, mental illness, substance abuse or pregnancy you are unable to perform the essential duties of your occupation and as a result you are earning less than 20% of your pre-disability weekly earnings; Or you are able to perform some, but not all of the essential duties, and as a result you are earning less than 80% of you pre-disability weekly earnings.
Waiting Period
Short-Term Disability – Once you are approved, you will be eligible to collect your weekly disability insurance benefit starting on the 30th calendar day after your accident or illness.
Long-Term Disability – You must be disabled for at least 180 calendar days before you can receive your monthly disability insurance benefit.
Lookback Period
Short-Term Disability - 3 month lookback for any claims filed in the first 6 months of effective date (exception to lookback is enrolling at New Hire Orientation)
Long-Term Disability - 3 month lookback for any claims filed in the first 12 months of effective date (exception to lookback is enrolling at New Hire Orientation)
How Long Will My Benefits Continue?
- Short-Term Disability – Up to 22 weeks, as long are you remain disabled.
- Long-Term Disability – For as long as you remain disabled, or until you reach your Social Security Normal Retirement Age.
Enrollment Period
Your initial enrollment period is within 31 days of your new hire date. If you do not enroll at that time, then you may apply during the City of Albuquerque’s Annual Open Enrollment period. This is generally in May or June of each year. If you apply during Open Enrollment, you may be subject to underwriting and qualify with Evidence of Insurability. You will be contacted by the carrier to process Evidence of Insurability.
Disability Claims Customer Service/Telephonic Filing
- Toll Free: 844-359-0462
- Fax: 402-997-1865
- Email: [email protected]