Syracuse University offers a voluntary Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan through The Standard to help protect your finances when you need it most.
How the Benefit Works
If your claim is approved, The Standard will pay 60% of your pre-disability earnings after a six-month waiting period. A few things to know upfront:
- Minimum monthly benefit: $100
- Maximum monthly benefit: $12,000
- Benefits are reduced by income from other sources, such as Social Security Disability or Workers’ Compensation
- Because you pay premiums with after-tax dollars, benefits you receive are generally non-taxable
The LTD Plan is designed to pick up where the University’s existing disability coverage leaves off — after the first six months. It works alongside the Salary Continuation Plan (for eligible faculty and exempt employees, including some non-exempt employees eligible under transition rules) and the New York State Statutory Disability Benefits program (for non-exempt employees).
Why This Matters for Exempt Employees
The University’s Salary Continuation Plan provides good protection, but there are some important considerations:
- To receive Salary Continuation benefits beyond 12 months, you must obtain a Social Security Disability Award (SSDA) within your first year of disability — which can be difficult to achieve in that timeframe.
- If you do not receive an SSDA within one year and cannot return to work, your salary replacement coverage from the University ends.
- If you do receive an SSDA in time, the Salary Continuation Plan pays 50% of your base salary (minus your SSDA and certain other reductions). These payments are fully taxable.
Enrolling in the voluntary LTD Plan changes the picture significantly:
- If approved for the benefit, you receive 60% of your pre-disability earnings starting after the six-month waiting period — generally non-taxable
- Eligibility for benefits is not tied to receiving an SSDA
- Salary Continuation Plan benefits are reduced by what the LTD Plan pays (so the two work in coordination, not in addition)
Why This Matters for Non-Exempt Employees
Non-exempt employees are covered by New York State Statutory Disability Benefits for up to 26 weeks of disability. After that — if you don’t have LTD coverage, your income stops.
If you’re enrolled in the voluntary LTD Plan, you’ll receive 60% of your pre-disability earnings after the six-month waiting period, provided your claim is approved. This benefit is generally non-taxable.
Enrolling After 45 Days of Employment
If you’re electing LTD coverage more than 45 days after your hire date or during Open Enrollment, you’ll need to complete a Medical History Statement [PDF] and be approved by The Standard before coverage takes effect. Mail your completed form to:
The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York
Medical Underwriting
900 SW Fifth Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Contributions
Your monthly premium is calculated by multiplying your monthly gross pay by your age-based rate (below), then dividing by 100. Rates listed here are based on the 12-month calendar year. Actual deductions from each paycheck will vary depending upon your deduction cycle.
| Age | Monthly Cost/$100 of Covered Pay |
|---|---|
| Under age 30 | $0.157 |
| 30 through 34 | $0.188 |
| 35 through 39 | $0.235 |
| 40 through 44 | $0.345 |
| 45 through 49 | $0.518 |
| 50 through 54 | $0.753 |
| 55 through 59 | $0.972 |
| 60 through 64 | $1.011 |
| 65 through 69 | $1.074 |
| 70 through 74 | $1.388 |
| Age 75+ | $2.117 |
Questions regarding this benefit or the Medical History Statement review process can be directed to The Standard at 800.426.4332. If you have any questions or need an accommodation to access information on this webpage, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.
Helpful Links
- Medical History Statement for The Standard [PDF]
- Non-Exempt Disability Benefits
- Salary Continuation Plan
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this website is accurate. However, the benefits are governed by legal documents (which, in certain circumstances, may include insurance contracts). If there is any difference between the information in this website and the official documents, the official documents will control. As is the case with all of Syracuse University’s employee benefit plans, the University reserves the right to modify or terminate these benefits at any time.