HR Spotlight – Short Term Disability

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Voluntary short-term disability insurance helps protect your income in the event that you are disabled by a covered injury or sickness and are unable to perform the duties of your job.

If you encounter a reason in which you will need to be way from work for more than 3 days, contact Human Resources. Human Resources will gladly discuss with you the options available to you based on your individual situation.

MetLife

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Short Term Disability

Q. When do benefits begin?

  1. Benefits begin after the end of the elimination period. The elimination period begins on the day you become disabled and is the length of time you must wait while being disabled before you are eligible to receive a benefit. The elimination period is 14 calendar days for injury or sickness (including pregnancy).

Q. Who must I notify?

  1. Notify Human Resources and your supervisor of any expected extended absence as soon as possible.

Q. How do I make a claim?

  1. Make a claim directly through MetLife’s website: www.mybenefits.metlife.com

Q. Where can I find more information?

  1. http://www.highlands.edu/site/hr-short-term-disability

Q. Who can I contact for assistance?

  1. MetLife – 1.866.832.5759

Human Resources – 706.802.5136

Q. Do I have to exhaust all my sick/annual leave before making a STDI claim?

  1. No.

Q. Can I submit a claim prior to my absence?

  1. Yes, however, final processing will not be completed until the elimination period is satisfied.

Q. How long does it take to get a claim approved?

  1. The goal of MetLife is to have claims processed within 10 days. However, this can be affected or delayed by lack of information or untimely responses to inquiries.

Q. How long do I receive benefits from MetLife?

  1. Benefits may last up to 11 weeks based on medical need and documentation.

Q. How do I receive my STDI benefit?

  1. Your benefit is sent directly to you from MetLife.

Q. How do I complete my timesheet?

  1. Employees record any time used directly on their timesheet in eTime. Employees are responsible for populating and approving their timesheets according to the established schedule unless an alternate arrangement is made with their supervisor. The supervisor and Human Resources should be kept informed of the employee’s status throughout the time short-term disability insurance is used.