Short-Term Disability
Tulane will now offer Short-Term Disability (STD). All benefits-eligible employees are defaulted into Short-Term Disability at six months of employment (all employees hired on or before July 1, 2023, will be eligible for STD on January 1, 2024). The waiting period, also known as the elimination period, is 30 calendar days from when the disability occurs before benefits become payable. Please note that payroll deductions/premiums for STD are made on a pre-tax basis, while benefits payments are taxed.
If you are out of work for an extended period of time because of a disabling injury or illness, disability benefits are designed to replace a portion of your income and help you maintain your lifestyle. Disability is defined as being unable to perform the material duties of your own occupation because of physical disease, injury, pregnancy, or mental disorder.
Staff, Librarians, and Post-Doctorates
For Staff, Librarians, and Post-Doctorates, 60% of earnings will be provided, with a maximum weekly benefit of $2,500. Employees are required to use accrued sick time during the 30-day waiting period. Sick time may be used to cover 40% of earnings in months two and three. Earnings are defined as Base Pay plus Shift Differential (if applicable).
STD premiums are based on the weekly benefit amount. STD benefits equal 60% of the weekly earnings, with a maximum weekly benefit of $2,500. The premium rate is $.0007 per $10 of benefit.
Faculty and Administrators
For Faculty and Administrators, 100% of earnings will be provided. Earnings are defined as Base Pay.
STD premiums are based on the weekly benefit amount. STD benefit equals 100% of the weekly earnings. The premium rate is $0.007 per $10 of benefit.
Tulane University Medical Group (TUMG) Faculty Members
For TUMG Faculty, 100% of earnings will be provided. Earnings are defined as Base Pay plus Supplemental Pay based on clinical earnings.
STD premiums are based on the weekly benefit amount. STD benefit equals 100% of the weekly earnings. The premium rate is $0.059 per $10 of benefit.
Long-Term Disability
Tulane University offers long-term disability (LTD), which is designed to continue a portion of your earnings during extended periods of disability as a result of an illness or injury. This plan is administered through The Standard.
If you are out of work for an extended period of time because of a disabling injury or illness, disability benefits are designed to replace a portion of your income and help you maintain your lifestyle. Disability is defined as being unable to perform the material duties of your own occupation because of physical disease, injury, pregnancy, or mental disorder.
All benefits-eligible employees are defaulted into long-term disability at six months of employment, which pays a monthly benefit if they cannot work because of a long-term illness or injury. There is a ninety-day (90) waiting period. Employees cannot waive this plan. When approved for LTD, the carrier will continue retirement contributions for employees enrolled in Tulane's faculty or staff retirement plans. Payroll deductions and premiums are made on a post-tax basis, and benefit payments are not taxed.
Faculty, Administrators, Staff, Librarians, & Post-Doctorates
LTD premiums are based on the monthly benefit amount. LTD benefit equals 66.67% of their pre-disability earnings, excluding overtime and any other payments, with a maximum monthly benefit of $8,000 for Faculty and Staff. If receiving retirement contributions on the date of disability, the Standard will continue to pay a monthly retirement contribution while receiving LTD benefits. The premium rate is $0.601 per $100 of benefit. The premium rate increases to $1.500 per $100 of provided benefit upon eligibility to receive a retirement contribution from Tulane.
TUMG Faculty Members with <2 Years of Employment
For TUMG Faculty Members with less than two years of employment, the benefit is 60% of pre-disability earnings, which includes incentive pay and Veterans Administration pay, with a maximum monthly benefit of $15,000.
LTD premiums are based on monthly covered earnings (also called payroll). LTD benefit equals 60% of monthly covered earnings, up to a maximum of $25,000. The premium rate is $0.377 per $100 covered payroll.
TUMG Faculty Members with >=2 Years of Employment
For TUMG Faculty Members with two or more years of service, the benefit is 60% of pre-disability earnings, which includes incentive pay and Veterans Administration pay, with a maximum monthly benefit of $15,000. The Standard will continue to pay a monthly 12% retirement contribution while receiving LTD benefits.
The premium rate increases to $0.488 per $100 of provided benefit when there is two years of employment qualifying TUMG Faculty member for an employer retirement contribution.
For more information on Leave Management, click here.
F.A.Q.s
Employees are encouraged to apply for Long-Term Disability (LTD) or Short-Term Disability if they feel their situation may meet the criteria. Keep in mind, benefits are not paid until you've been out of work for ninety days or more.
You can apply by completing the below forms and having your provider complete the Physician's Statement. The forms can be faxed to the carrier; the number is included with the claim form
There are three main sections to the LTD Claim forms:
- Employee’s Statement & authorizations to release of information to be completed by you
- Employer’s Statement to be completed by Human Resources
- Physician’s Statement to be completed by your physician
Health & Welfare Benefits
- If you are on a leave with pay your benefits and premiums remain the same.
- If you are placed on a leave without pay; your benefits and premium amounts remain the same but you will have to remit the premiums to the Direct Bill Administrator, WageWorks. You will receive information regarding the amounts, i.e. when and where to mail your premiums once placed on a leave without pay.
- When an employee is approved for LTD the department will transition them off the payroll (terminate the position).
- Upon termination, your active benefits will end and you will be offered the opportunity to continue your benefits under COBRA.
- At this point you will pay the full cost of the health insurance.
Life Insurance
- If you are under age 60 and approved for LTD you the carrier may allow you to continue your life insurance and waive the premiums.
- If you are over age 60 and approved for LTD you can contact the carrier to convert your policy and they will provide you with the new premium.
Retirement
- If you are approved for LTD and in the retirement plan, the carrier will continue to make retirement contributions to your account on the university's behalf.
Approval for LTD/STD is determined by the carrier. To determine if you have a qualified disability as defined by each carrier, please review the links below:
- The Standard
- Customer Service: 1-800-843-7979
- Group #647381
Call the Benefits Team
Phone:
504-865-HR4U(4748)
Email:
Monday-Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm CST
