Benefits Plans - Long-Term Disability Plans: Expanded Long-Term Disability -
Applying for and Receiving Disability Benefits

Follow this checklist to apply for and receive Expanded Long-Term Disability benefits.

What to do When to do it
How to Apply
  1. Contact WorkConnections (W~C) at 734-615-0643 or 1-877-869-5266 toll free. The Benefits Office works with WorkConnections staff to coordinate the LTD application process. (Note: This is not the official application; that occurs in Step 3.)
As soon as possible after you are disabled and are no longer actively at work or anticipate an absence from work for a period of 10 consecutive days.
  1. The WorkConnections team will work with you and advise you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to submit a claim for Long-Term Disability benefits. You will be responsible for providing the documentation that is requested. This includes, but is not limited to, medical documentation. The W~C team will refer you to the Benefits Office to complete the LTD application once all documentation is complete. W~C will send a Departmental Disability Claim Form to your supervisor who must complete and return the form promptly to W~C.

A member of the W~C team will contact you to provide information and guidance regarding the LTD referral process.

  1. The Benefits Office will contact you regarding the completion of the necessary LTD claim forms.

    Complete all the LTD application forms you receive from the Benefits Office.

    To view samples of the forms you will be requested to fill out when you apply for LTD benefits, click the links below. Please note that these forms are for example only and they cannot be printed, only viewed online.

Return your completed forms promptly to the Benefits Office (the date these completed forms are received in the Benefits Office is the official date of your claim).

 As soon as the Benefits Office receives the LTD referral and claim packet from W~C.
  1. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to apply for Social Security disability benefits. TTY: 1-800-325-0778, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
 As soon as possible after Step 2.
  1. After all the forms identified in Step #3 have been received by the Benefits Office, your claim will be reviewed by the Benefits Office to determine if additional documentation is required. You will be contacted if additional documentation is required.
 As soon as possible after Step 2.
  1. Provide any additional documentation requested by the Benefits Office.
As soon as possible after Step 5.
  1. If requested, meet with a nurse case manager or a vocational rehabilitation specialist for an interview regarding the history of your medical condition and your work history.
If needed, by appointment.
  1. If requested, attend independent medical evaluations scheduled by the Benefits Office in order to obtain additional information regarding your medical condition.
 If needed, by appointment.
  1. Once the Benefits Office has received all the documentation needed to support your claim, the claim documentation will be submitted to the external Claims Administrator for a determination of approval or denial.

Immediately after receipt of all claim documentation.

  1. The Benefits Office will notify you by phone if your claim is approved.
Immediately upon receipt of the determination from the Claims Administrator.
  1. You will also receive an approval letter with the details regarding the benefits you will receive.
As soon as you begin receiving LTD benefits.
  1. The external Claims Administrator will notify you in writing if your claim is denied.
Immediately upon making the determination.
After Your Application is Approved
  1. Notify the Benefits Office if you receive cash benefits from any public sources such as Social Security disability or retirement (for yourself and your dependents), Workers' Compensation, or the Veterans Administration.
Immediately upon receipt.
  1. Notify the Benefits Office of any earned income you receive from any type of employment.
Immediately upon receipt.
  1. Present the Medical Update Form (an Attending Physician's Statement of Disability) to your physician for completion and return as requested. Provide any other proof of continued disability as required by the Claims Administrator.
Within 30 days of receiving the request.
  1. Enroll in Medicare A and B when you become eligible (usually 24 months after you begin receiving Social Security disability benefits). Notify the Benefits Office and provide proof of enrollment (copy of signed Medicare card).
 Immediately upon becoming eligible.

Next: Vocational Rehabilitation and Return to Work

Limitations
The University of Michigan in its sole discretion may modify, amend, or terminate the benefits provided with respect to any individual receiving benefits, including active employees, retirees, and their dependents. Although the university has elected to provide these benefits this year, no individual has a vested right to any of the benefits provided. Nothing in these materials gives any individual the right to continued benefits beyond the time the university modifies, amends, or terminates the benefit. Anyone seeking or accepting any of the benefits provided will be deemed to have accepted the terms of the benefits programs and the university's right to modify, amend or terminate them.