Disability Insurance

The Franklin County Cooperative offers a group disability insurance program to all benefit-eligible employees. If you are eligible to enroll in the Cooperative's healthcare plan, you are also eligible to participate in the disability insurance program. The program provides both Short Term Disability (STD) and Long Term Disability (LTD) coverage.

Your Guide to MetLife Disability Reporting Disability Claims Process Overview

Short Term Disability (STD)

  • Coverage: Replaces a portion of your pre-disability income during the initial weeks of disability.
  •  Benefits: Pays a weekly benefit based on your pre-disability income.
  •  Duration: Provides benefits for up to 26 weeks (approximately 6 months) after an initial waiting period of 14 days.
  •  Claim Reporting: Notify your HR/Payroll Officer and contact MetLife within 7 days of the first day of absence by calling the MetLife Group Disability Reporting Line at 866.729.9201 or via the MyBenefits website.

 

Long Term Disability (LTD)

  • Coverage: Replaces a portion of your pre-disability income during an extended illness or injury.
  • Benefits: Pays a monthly benefit based on your pre-disability income after an initial elimination period of 180 days (or until your STD benefits end).
  •  Duration: Benefits are paid up to your normal retirement age or Reducing Benefit Duration.

Resources and Tools

MyBenefits Website: Access the MyBenefits website to get information about an existing disability claim, update claim information, send messages and attachments to MetLife, and receive alerts about your claim status. The website also allows you to sign up for direct deposit for your benefit payments.

MetLife US App: Track the status of your disability claim using the MetLife US App, available on the iTunes® App Store and Google® Play. Note that registration on the MyBenefits website is required before using the app.

 

Claim Process

  1. Initial Steps: Notify your HR/Payroll Officer and MetLife to initiate your claim. MetLife may contact you for additional details and will send an Acknowledgement Package with important information that requires action.

  2. Review and Decision: You will be notified of the initial decision via phone and letter. You can check the status of your claim on the MyBenefits website. MetLife will keep you informed on the status of your claim and notify you of any additional information needed.

  3. Ongoing Evaluation: MetLife will periodically contact you and your healthcare provider(s) to evaluate your status, treatment plan, and functional abilities. If you remain disabled after 26 weeks of STD, you may be eligible for LTD benefits. MetLife will refer your STD claim for an LTD claim review.

  4. Return to Work: You may be required to participate in a rehabilitation/Return to Work Program. Before returning to work, your healthcare provider may need to complete a return to work note or Release to Work form, which should be submitted to both your HR/Payroll Officer and MetLife.

  5. Denied Claims: If your claim is denied, MetLife will contact you by phone and send a letter explaining the reason for denial and how to file an appeal. Appeals must be received by MetLife within 180 days from the date of the decision letter.

For more information and assistance, please visit the MyBenefits website.

 

Documents

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