Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance provides a safety net that replaces your salary and provides protection for your pension plan, should you be unable to work due to illness or injury.
Overview
The purpose of the LTD plan is to provide coverage for serious disabilities resulting in long periods of absence. Your LTD plan recognizes the highly vulnerable position of most members should they be confronted with a loss of income during a lengthy or permanent disability. Subject to the terms and provisions of the policy, if you are under the continuous active care and treatment of a duly qualified physician, a benefit will be paid for as long as you remain disabled and are eligible for benefits.
LTD benefits are payable after a continuous period of absence from work. The time between the onset of disability and the date which LTD benefits first become payable under your plan choice is the waiting period (often referred to as the Elimination Period). During the waiting period, you could be paid by any combination of Employment Insurance Commission disability benefits, Canada Pension Plan disability benefits or sick leave benefits.
The Ottawa Carleton ETFO/FEEO Long Term Disability Insurance policy is entirely owned by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario.
LTD is an income – replacement insurance, payable should an Ottawa Carleton ETFO/FEEO member be unable to perform the essential components of their job. Benefits are paid at a rate of 50% of pre-disability salary, subject to approval by OTIP.
Should you have any questions or concerns about Long Term Disability please contact 2nd Vice President Melcha Wolanski via e-mail or phone 613-596-3932.
Benefits
Long term disability (LTD) benefits are based on the provisions outlined in your group insurance policy. In most instances:
- During the waiting period and the following 24 months, LTD benefits provide income replacement when an insured member becomes ill or injured and is unable to perform the significant duties of their regular assignment.
- After this 24 month period, benefit payments continue if the member’s medical condition prevents him or her from being gainfully employed.
Application Process
Three forms are required to initiate an LTD claim:
- Member’s Statement
- Plan Administrator’s Statement
- Attending Physician’s Statement
You can get these forms from:
- An OTIP representative 613-567-6847 or
- Your Union affiliate 613-596-3932
The Initial Assessment includes:
- The review of the 3 claim forms
- An initial telephone interview with the member
- Adjudication of the medical information provided
Tips for submitting your LTD application
When submitting your application for LTD benefits, please include the following items, if available:
- Copies of any medical documentation related to your present condition (including consultation reports, tests results and x-rays)
- A copy of your auto insurance claim file and accident report, if your claim is related to a motor vehicle accident
- A copy of your Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) claim correspondence and present status, if your claim is the result of an injury at work
The Claims Decision will be communicated to member verbally and in writing. If the decision is to decline benefits, the reasons for the denial will be explained.
If you wish, you may appeal the group life and disability claims decision.
If you choose, OTIP disability services representatives (DSR) are available to assist you in preparing your appeal.