Short-Term Disability

UMass Chan offers an optional Short-Term Disability program through Guardian which is available to non-unit (non-union) employees only. The employee pays the entire cost of the plan. *Effective July 1, 2024, coverage begins on the first day of the month following your date of hire. If your day of hire falls on the first of the month, then your benefit begins that same day. The basic features of the benefit are as follows:

• Choice of tax-free benefit at 50% or 60%** of your gross weekly salary (to a maximum of $1,500 per week) for up to 11  weeks
• Benefit is effective after a 15-day elimination period
• Sick Time, Vacation Time, Personal Time and Sick Leave Bank accruals do not need to be exhausted to use this benefit
• Includes benefits for mental health & substance abuse disabilities, partial disabilities and rehabilitation

*Please email benefits.umms@umassmed.edu for more details on coverage effective date if hired between April 3, 2024 and June 30, 2024.

**Employees can choose either the "Low Plan" (50% of gross weekly salary), or the "High Plan" (60% of gross weekly salary), both up to a maximum of $1,500/week. Note: The covered salary excludes bonuses and commissions. Cost will vary depending on level of coverage, age and salary.

When to Enroll

You may enroll as a new hire during your first 21 days of employment without having to provide evidence of medical insurability. If you choose to enroll at a later date, you must provide evidence of insurability.

Questions?

For questions on enrollment and Short-Term benefits:

• Contact Guardian’s Employee Benefits Hotline at (888) 600-1600 weekdays, 7:00 am to 8:30 pm, EST and refer to Group ID: 549499.

OR, for questions on the Short-Term Disability benefit in conjunction with the other UMass Chan benefits:

• Contact the Benefits Department in the HR Service Center at benefits.umms@umassmed.edu or call (508) 856-5260, Option 1.

Other Short-Term Insurance Options?

 For other short-term type coverage options please review the Leaves of Absence (LOA) website at LOA website.*   

 * Employees should review all of  their LOA options on the LOA website prior to enrolling in Short Term Disability coverage to ensure this coverage is necessary. Other options described on the LOA site may be a better choice in your situation.