Disability

The plan provides up to 55% of your eligible monthly earnings, to a maximum benefit of $800 per month, for up to six months. The six-month benefit period includes a 14-day waiting period before you begin receiving benefits. You must use up to 22 days of sick leave, if available. UC pays the full cost of coverage, and you’re automatically enrolled. Since UC pays for this coverage, your basic disability income is generally taxable.

The plan provides up to 60% of your eligible earnings, to a maximum benefit of $15,000 per month. 

The start date and duration of your coverage depends on the level of coverage you choose:

• Short-term only — The six-month benefit period includes a 14-day waiting period before you begin receiving benefits. You must use up to 22 days of sick leave, if available, before you begin receiving benefits.
• Long-term only — You’ll be covered after six months of disability, until your Social Security retirement age for most conditions. This might be a good option for employees with a lot of sick leave accrued, academic employees eligible for paid medical leave, or those who can cover household expenses without much income for up to six months.
• Short and long-term — You’ll be covered after a 14-day waiting period, until your Social Security retirement age for most conditions. You’ll need to use up to 22 sick days if you have them before benefits begin. Choosing both Voluntary Short and Long-Term Disability provides the most comprehensive coverage for all types of disability leaves.

Since voluntary short-term disability coverage is employee-paid and supplements basic disability coverage, the income you receive is partially taxable. Voluntary long-term disability income is generally not taxable since you pay the premiums with after-tax dollars.

• You must be under a doctor’s continuous care.
• You must meet the applicable definition of disability for Basic, Voluntary Short-Term or Voluntary Long-Term benefits.
• There’s a 14-day waiting period before you can begin receiving benefits through basic or voluntary short-term disability. However, you’ll need to use up to 22 sick days, if you have them, before benefits begin.
• Mental illness and substance abuse-related benefits are usually limited to a 24-month lifetime maximum through voluntary long-term disability insurance.
• You will not be eligible for voluntary long-term disability benefits if your disability is related to a condition:
  • You were diagnosed with or had treatment for in the 90 days before your initial enrollment in voluntary disability insurance and 
  • Your disability leave begins within one year after your enrollment.
• If you are receiving disability benefits through workers’ compensation, California SDI, Social Security, UCRP, or other sources, they will be coordinated with your basic and/or voluntary disability benefits. In most cases, disability coverage from all sources combined can provide you with a maximum of 60% of your eligible earnings.