Disability Insurance
The state offers short-term disability and long-term disability insurance to full-time state higher education employees through MetLife. Please call the MetLife state of Tennessee dedicated customer service line with questions: 855.700.8001, Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., CT, or visit, https://www.metlife.com/stateoftn/
Disability insurance helps cover your living expenses by protecting a portion of your pre-disability income lost due to sickness, pregnancy or as a direct result of accidental injury. All sick leave, annual leave and comp time must be used before benefits are payable.
Please view the MetLife Short-term and Long-term Disability Handbook and find answers to frequently asked questions here, including information about disability due to pregnancy.
Replaces a portion of your income during a disability, which could last up to 26 weeks. Two coverage options are available for you to voluntarily select if desired. Employees pay the full monthly premium if enrollment is selected. All sick leave, annual leave and comp time must be used before benefits are payable.
What is group short term disability insurance?
Short Term Disability (STD) Insurance replaces a portion of your income during a disability, which could last up to 26 weeks. Two coverage options are available for you to voluntarily select if desired. Employees pay the full monthly premium if enrollment is selected. All sick leave, annual leave and comp time must be used before benefits are payable.
How much of my income will be protected?
60% of your weekly salary.
How much does it cost?
If I become disabled, when will my benefits begin?
There is a waiting period of 14 calendar days for coverage option A and a waiting period of 30 calendar days for coverage option B.
Are there any limitations on the coverage?
Yes, there are exclusions to the short term disability coverage. Additional limitations my be listed on your Certificate of Insurance.
Replaces a portion of your income during a disability that is expected to last longer than 90-180 days.
All state higher education employees will automatically be defaulted into long-term disability option 3 in Edison for coverage effective in calendar year 2024. This is guaranteed issue coverage, and employees won’t have to answer medical questions.
Employees who use this benefit will receive 63% of their monthly salary*, up to $10,000 per month, following a 90-day waiting period.
*The maximum covered monthly salary is $15,873.02.
Benefits received from long-term disability option 3 are considered taxable income and will appear on your W-2 because the premiums are paid by your employer.