Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Long-Term Disability (LTD) is an insurance policy that protects an employee from loss of income in the event that he or she is unable to work due to illness, injury, or accident for a long period of time. It is provided at no cost to employees. Long-Term Disability insurance does not provide insurance for work-related accidents or injuries that are covered by workers' compensation. However, Long-Term Disability ensures that an employee will still receive a percentage of their income if they cannot work due to sickness or disabling injury. At Wichita State University, this coverage provides 60% income replacement to employees with a qualifying disability after a 180 day waiting period.
To Qualify for Benefits
The member is considered disabled when he or she meets the following definition of
total disability:
- Own Occupation Period - For the first 24 months for which benefits are paid, the member is unable to perform the material and substantial duties of his or her regular occupation due to sickness or injury.
- Any Occupation Period - After benefits have been paid for 24 months, the member is unable to perform the material and substantial duties of any gainful occupation due to sickness or injury.
Eligibility and Age Limits
- You must confirm your disability annually.
- If you become disabled before age 60, you can continue to receive disability benefits until you retire or reach age 65, whichever comes first.
- If you become disabled at or after age 60, you can continue to receive disability benefits for five years or until you retire, whichever comes first.
- When your disability benefits end, you may apply for retirement benefits. If you are disabled and off payroll for five or more years, your final average salary may be recalculated to benefit you when determining your retirement benfits.
For more information, visit KPERS Long-Term Disability benefit plan.
HR Total Rewards Team
totalrewards@wichita.edu
SME: HB
Revised: 01/28/2020 HB