Disability insurance protects income

SUNY provides long-term group disability coverage to UUP bargaining unit members who are eligible for the New York State Health Insurance Program and have been SUNY employees for at least one year. The plan, through TIAA-CREF, insures members for up to 60 percent of their SUNY income. However, recipients are likely to receive less than 50 percent of their income after taxes are deducted.

Members who are not eligible for the TIAA-CREF coverage, or those who wish to supplement their existing TIAA-CREF coverage, may apply for NYSUT’s short-term or long-term disability insurance plans. Both plans are underwritten by First Unum Life Insurance Company and provide up to 60 percent of annual salary, not to exceed $5,000 a month, in tax-free benefits. The long-term plan provides benefits to age 65; the short-term plan provides benefits for up to 12 months.

The NYSUT plan provides hospital confinement benefits; accidental death, dismemberment and loss of sight benefits; and a waiver of premium provision if a participant becomes fully disabled and receives monthly benefits. Members who are eligible for payroll deduction and use this method to pay their long-term disability insurance premiums will receive a discount of up to 20 percent.

Members who are under the age of 64 and work 20 or more hours a week are eligible to apply for the plans.

In addition, NYSUT offers a disability insurance plan that is available for spouses or certified domestic partners of bargaining unit members, including retiree members. Applicants to this plan must be under the age of 64, work 30 hours or more per week and meet underwriting guidelines.

For information, contact the First Unum representatives at (800) 515-2471.