Support Staff Policies & Procedures
Support Staff Extended Disability Leave Program Policy & Procedure
(Revised 05/05)
Policy
The University provides an interim income protection plan for eligible employees expected to receive Long-Term Disability benefits.
Eligibility: Regular full-time University support staff
Effective date of benefit: After completion of 60 continuous full-time equivalent (FTE) service months.
Summary of benefits:
- The benefit provides full base wage/salary in cases expected to result in total disability, as defined in the Long-Term Disability Master Contract, for a period of up to 180 days from the employee's last day of active work.
- The benefit commences upon the expiration of all accrued sick, vacation, personal, and personal observance leave.
- Determination of whether a case is expected to result in total disability may be made by the University Physician based on information received from the employee's physician and other medical reports.
- Lack of conclusive medical evidence may delay approval of the Extended Disability Leave (EDL) benefit, until Long-Term Disability benefits are approved. If so, payments will be made on a retroactive basis. In these cases, it is necessary for the employee to maintain benefit premium payments. Reimbursement for the amount of University contributions will be made upon approval of the EDL.
- Employees expected to return to work within 180 days do not qualify for this benefit.
- Authorization to pay EDL benefits is made by MSU Human Resources Workers' Compensation/Long-Term Disability.
Premium contribution: The University pays the cost of this program.
Termination date of benefit: Last day of employment or transfer to ineligible status.
Conversion of coverage: No conversion is possible.
Procedure
Application for Enrollment:
Employee: No action is required. Enrollment is automatic, however, a release form is necessary to receive the EDL benefit.
Changes in coverage or personal information:
Employee: No action required.
Filing a claim:
Employee:
- Contact MSU Human Resources Workers' Compensation/Long-Term Disability immediately in event of illness or injury which may lead to long-term disability.
- Complete application for Long-Term Disability (available at MSU Human Resources Workers' Compensation/Long-Term Disability) prior to being considered for EDL benefits.
- Have a physician forward Medical Provider's Statement regarding employee's condition to MSU Human Resources Workers' Compensation/Long-Term Disability.
- Sign an Authorization for Release of Information so University Physician may obtain subsequent medical information when necessary.
- Maintain optional benefit coverages while on unpaid leave by submitting premium payments to MSU Human Resources.
- For EDL benefits to be paid prior to approval of Long-Term Disability benefits, an Extended Disability Leave agreement must be signed by employee.
Department:
- Notify MSU Human Resources Workers' Compensation/Long-Term Disability immediately when aware of an employee's illness or injury which may lead to long-term disability.
- Direct employee to contact MSU Human Resources Workers' Compensation/Long-Term Disability.
- Continue payment of accrued time until exhausted, then place employee on an unpaid leave of absence due to illness. The department should have a physician's statement to process the leave.
- Department will be authorized by MSU Human Resources Workers' Compensation/Long-Term Disability to return employee to full pay status for a defined period of time if EDL is approved.
- Should be aware that EDL benefit will be charged directly to department.
Refer questions to:
MSU Human Resources Workers' Compensation/Long-Term Disability (telephone 517-353-4434 or e-mail solutionscenter@hr.msu.edu)
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