Short-Term Disability

Wilkes University provides a short-term disability (STD) benefits plan to eligible employees who are unable to work because of a qualifying disability due to a medical illness or injury. Full-time employees are eligible to participate in the STD plan effective on the first day of the month coinciding with or next following a 90 day introductory period and after a 30-day elimination period.

Full-time employees may participate in the STD plan subject to all terms and conditions of the policy. STD leave/income will not exceed a period of six (6) months, including sick, vacation and personal leave. Disabilities arising from pregnancy or pregnancy-related illness are treated the same as any other illness that prevents an employee from working (Pregnancy-Related Absences Policy #607). Disabilities covered by workers' compensation are excluded from STD coverage (Worker's Compensation Insurance Policy #306)

Details of the STD benefits plan, including benefit amounts, when they are payable, and limitations, restrictions, and other exclusions are described below:

*STD income will commence after a (30) calendar-day disability elimination period is satisfied and after all sick, vacation and personal leave is exhausted.

*STD income will be equal to 100% of normal base pay.

*STD leave/income will not exceed a period of six (6) months, including sick, vacation,

and personal leave.

*Vacation and Sick leave will not accrue during periods of STD leave.

*STD benefits will not be paid if the disability is caused by: 1) an injury or sickness

that is intentionally self-inflicted; or 2) an injury or sickness that results from war, declared or not declared.

*Short-term disability absence runs concurrently with Family and Medical Leave absences/ entitlements.

*STD payments will be made through the Payroll process.

*Health insurance plan participation continues during periods of STD leave, with the employee responsible for his/her share of the premium.

NOTES:

-Wilkes University reserves the right to require and pay for an independent medical examination of the disabled employee.

-If an employee becomes disabled again from the same or related cause within 90 days of his/her return to active work from STD leave, the disability will be considered continuous.

-Employees may be eligible for Long-term disability insurance benefits upon exhausting short-term disability benefits.

Contact the Human Resources Development Office for more information about STD benefits.

Policy No.  318  Issued  6/1/2004  Applicable  10/2/2007