Long Term Disability Insurance

The Long Term Disability Benefit Program provides partial income replacement and continuation of certain University benefits in the event eligible staff or faculty become "disabled."

  • University provided benefit coverage becomes effective the first of the month following a six month waiting period of eligible employment. 
    • An earlier effective date may be established if you were covered by a comparable plan by a preceding employer who meets the requirements of the Certificate of Previous Coverage. 
  • Long Term Disability may not necessarily mean a total and permanent disability. During the period of disability, the insured must be under the regular care of a legally qualified physician.
  • If a claim is approved, Long Term Disability benefits begin on the first of the month following six months of total disability in an eight month period. The insurance provides a monthly income equivalent to 60% of covered monthly salary up to the plan maximum of $20,000 per month.
  • Long Term Disability benefits will be reduced by disability benefits received from Social Security, Worker's Compensation, and any other disability benefits payable under any plan for which contributions or payroll deductions are made by the University. 
    • In no event will the amount from the carrier be reduced less than $100 or by subsequent increases in Social Security.
  • Benefits continue to be paid consistent with a benefits duration schedule which is monitored on an ongoing basis to be in compliance with age discrimination regulations. If you exhaust your available disability benefits under the schedule at an age commensurate with the criteria for official University of Pittsburgh retirement status, you are entitled to the same benefits, programs, and services as are ordinarily provided when you are granted official retirement status.

Important Information Regarding the LTD Plan: