Definition of Disability
When you are unable to work because of a non-work related injury or illness (including pregnancy), you may be eligible for disability benefits. Disability benefits can provide a source of continuing income while you are unable to work. There are two types of disability benefits:
- Short-Term Disability (STD) – provides short-term (up to 26 weeks) income protection if you become disabled from a covered injury or illness. STD benefits are 60% of your pre-disability income.
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) – provides continuing income when you are unable to work for a longer period of time, exceeding six months, due to an injury or illness. LTD benefits are 60% of your pre-disability income, up to a maximum benefit of $4,000 per month.
Enrollment
Disability income benefits are provided through insurance contracts maintained by the State of Idaho with The Principal Life Insurance Company. Additional information regarding this coverage may be found on the Office of Group Insurance website. Benefit-eligible employees are automatically enrolled in disability insurance effective as of the first day of the month following date of hire.
Benefits Overview
Benefits Begin
When eligible, your benefits will begin after the waiting period, which is the later of:
- Thirty consecutive days of “total disability” or “residual disability” (when you are still able to perform some, but not all of your work duties)
- When you have exhausted all of your sick leave
How to Apply
If you are unable to work or anticipate an absence from work for five or more consecutive days, please contact:
- Human Resource Services at (208) 426-3018, or hrfmla@boisestate.edu to inform them of your last regular day worked, and that you anticipate an absence from work that may be covered under the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and/or disability.
- The Employee Relations department will contact the State Office of Group Insurance to request a disability claim package be mailed to your home. You and your medical provider will complete these forms and return them to the Office of Group Insurance.
- The Principal Life Insurance Company will make a determination on your claim, and if approved, pay benefits directly to you while you remain disabled and unable to work, up to the maximum time period allowed under the group policy.
Benefit Payments
If approved for disability benefits, you will receive checks directly from The Principal Life Insurance Company. This income is taxable to you. Your disability benefits may be reduced if you receive other sources of income, such as wages for part time work, Workers’ Compensation, unemployment benefits, or Social Security disability benefits.
While you are on an approved short-term disability, you may continue health coverage for up to 6 months. If premiums are not deducted through pay, the employee may self-pay the employee premium and Boise State would continue to pay the employer portion.
At the end of 26 weeks of short-term disability, you may continue the health insurance coverage by purchasing COBRA through Blue Cross of Idaho.
For more information, please contact the Office of Group Insurance at (208) 332-1860 or email them at ogi@adm.idaho.gov.