HR and Benefits: Active Employee Handbook

Optional Short-Term Disablity Insurance

Plan Overview
Short-term disability (STD) insurance replaces a portion of your Metro pay for up to 180 days if you become disabled by an injury, illness, or medical condition — including pregnancy and mental illness — cannot work and suffer a loss of income. Because income protection is so important, all eligible Metro employees are encouraged to enroll in this benefit.
FAST FACTS about Short-Term Disability Insurance
Purpose Replaces a portion of your pay for up to 180 days if you become disabled and cannot work.
Eligibility Employees who are eligible for other Metro benefits.
Benefit 60% of your weekly earnings
  • Maximum weekly benefit — $2,076
  • Minimum weekly benefit — $15
When Benefits Begin After 7 consecutive days of disability.
Length of Benefits Up to 173 days (180 consecutive day of pay less the 7 day waiting period) per injury or illness.
Cost Based on Metro earnings. You pay the full cost of STD coverage at group rates.
Eligibility
All employees who are eligible for other Metro benefits are eligible to enroll in STD insurance.
Cost
You pay the full cost of STD insurance at group rates. Group rates are generally lower than rates for individual coverage. For rates, see your Enrollment Guide or contact the insurance carrier.
Late Enrollment Penalty
If you do not apply for STD coverage within 60 days of becoming eligible, you will be subject to the following late-enrollment penalty:
If you file a claim for anything other than an accidental injury during the first 12 months after your coverage takes effect, your benefits will become payable after you have been continuously disabled for 60 consecutive days and remain disabled.
When Coverage Begins
The date STD coverage begins will depend on when you enroll:
  • If you enroll during an Annual Enrollment period, see your Enrollment Guide for the effective coverage date.
  • If you enroll when hired, your STD coverage will start the first day of the month beginning on or after 30 days of continuous employment.