Voluntary Long-Term Disability Plan for TSERS
Purpose of the Plan
Lincoln has a comprehensive Long-Term Disability Policy that can assist you when a disability can radically change a person’s quality of life. This plan gives you income protection. You insure your life, your home, your car and your health. And each of those coverages is absolutely important.
But protecting your income is equally important. No individual or family can long survive without a regular source of income.
Think of what would happen if you were disabled from an accident or illness and could not work for an extended period of time.
It’s a frightening prospect that can be prevented.
The University of North Carolina’s Group Long-Term Disability plan can provide you with a monthly check that can replace a significant portion of your salary…month after month or year after year…when you are totally disabled and cannot work.
Plan Highlights
Here are the highlights of your Group Long-Term Disability Plan:
- Replaces up to 66 2/3 percent of your monthly salary, with a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month, when you are disabled and unable to work (some offsets may apply).
- Disability is defined as being completely unable to perform your normal occupation.
- Pays benefits as long as disability continues as outlined in the Certificate of Insurance.
- Pays a benefit to your surviving dependent(s) if you die after having been disabled for at least six months.
- Provides partial disability benefits if you are disabled and continue to work on a limited basis but are unable to earn your full monthly salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who pays for this Long-Term Disability Insurance?
A: You pay the cost of this group insurance through payroll deduction, which frees you from premium reminders, check writing and lump-sum payments. No premium payments will be required from you while you are receiving benefits under this plan.
Q: Who is eligible for this insurance?
A: All full-time permanent employees who are employed by an institution within the University of North Carolina System, who participate in Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System.
Q: Is a medical exam necessary?
A: No. However, you will need to provide evidence of insurability if you do not enroll within 30 days of being eligible for this insurance or you do not enroll during the annual open enrollment period.
Q: If I became disabled, when would benefits begin?
A: You would receive benefits after three months of being totally disabled. Or you would receive benefits after 2 months for class 2 and 3 coverage(see Certificate of Insurance for class description)
Q: Am I covered if I take a leave of absence?
A: Coverage may continue for up to 24 months during a sabbatical or leave for which you receive at least 1/4 pay; or if you are actively engaged in education or research; or pursuing an advanced degree. You may also be covered during maternity leave for up to four months following the termination of pregnancy; and for family or medical leave approved by your employer for up to 12 weeks.
How to Enroll
- Determine your rates from the easy-to-use premium calculator.
- Elect the Supplemental Disability Lincoln Plan on the Empyrean Benefits Enrollment portal, click here.
- If enrollment does not occur within 30 days of being eligible for the benefit, or within the annual open enrollment window, you must complete evidence of insurability.
Forms
You can access forms after you have registered on the Lincoln portal at https://www.lincolnfinancial.com/public/individuals
About the Underwriter
Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC), a Fortune 200 American holding company with roots tracing back to The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1905. The company serves approximately 17 million customers across the United States, providing a diversified range of financial services through its core businesses: annuities, life insurance, group protection, and retirement plan services. Known for a history of strategic growth and strong ethics symbolized by the use of President Abraham Lincoln’s name, Lincoln Financial operates as a major national provider dedicated to helping Americans achieve financial security. As a large, publicly traded entity, the company manages billions in assets and holds naming rights to facilities like Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.