What is the deadline to file a Short-Term Disability (STD) claim?
The STD claim form must be submitted to Fort Dearborn Life at the address shown on the claim form within 12 months of the date your total disability began.
How do I file an STD claim?
A completed Disability claim form is required. All claim forms require information to be provided by three parties: the insured employee, the benefits coordinator and the attending practitioner. You must complete identifying information in the Employee's Preliminary Statement and forward the form to your Benefits Coordinator who will complete the Employer's Statement and return the form to you. When you receive the form, have your doctor complete the Attending Practitioner's Statement. Then, complete, sign and date the claim form and forward with all attachments to Fort Dearborn Life at the address shown on the claim form. Fort Dearborn Life must receive the form within 12 months of the date your total disability began.
When do STD benefits become payable?
If you are totally disabled, you may be eligible to receive STD benefits after you have completed the waiting period of your sick leave, extended sick leave, and sick leave pool or 30 consecutive days whichever is greater. STD benefits are issued monthly at the end of each 30 day benefit period. To check the status of your claim, contact Fort Dearborn Life Customer Service at 800-778-2281.
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What is the time frame for processing my STD claim form?
Your STD claim will be assigned to an Examiner upon receipt of the completed claim form. The Examiner will review the claim and determine whether the information submitted substantiates your eligibility for STD benefits. The review process could take up to ten calendar days. If it is determined that additional information is required, a request will be issued appropriately.
What is the appeal process if my claim is denied?
The letter you receive from Fort Dearborn Life will explain your appeal rights.You may ask for reconsideration of the decision by submitting a request in writing along with any additional information to the Fort Dearborn Life Claims Department. Any additional information submitted for reconsideration will be reviewed. If Fort Dearborn Life determines that your claim warrants a second denial, you will be notified in writing of the decision and Fort Dearborn Life will provide you with instructions for filing a grievance with ERS.
Grievances must be submitted in writing to ERS within the time stated in your denial letter. Upon receipt of your appeal, ERS will provide you with notification of receipt and obtain all information regarding your claim from Fort Dearborn Life in order to review your grievance. ERS will notify you in writing of their decision.
How long will I receive STD benefits?
The maximum benefit period for receiving STD benefits is five months.
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What happens if I am receiving other sources of income?
STD benefits are reduced by other sources of income to which you may be entitled such as Worker's Compensation, Employees Retirement System or Teacher Retirement System disability retirement benefits, and other group disability benefits. This reduction is called integration with other sources of income.
The maximum STD benefit payable is the lesser of 66% of your insured monthly salary or $6,600. However, if your STD benefits are integrated with other sources of income, STD benefits will be 70% of your insured monthly salary, minus other income. If you are approved for this coverage, your minimum STD benefit would be 10% of your insured monthly salary.
Is pregnancy or childbirth covered under my STD coverage?
If you are disabled from any covered condition, including pregnancy or childbirth, it is considered to be an illness/sickness covered under your STD coverage.
Is my STD benefit taxable?
If your employing agency pays any portion of your STD insurance premiums, that portion of STD benefits paid are taxable for the duration of the claim.
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