Disability & Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 1.25 days per month for the number of months you work (10 months, 11 months, or 12 months). You can bank up to 45 days of sick leave.
Disability coverage provides an income replacement benefit if you are ill or injured and unable to work. It is important to consider how long you would be able to pay your bills if you were unable to work. Short Term Disability replaces your income for 11 weeks, and the benefit is payable on day 15 of your disability. Should you remain disabled beyond 11 weeks, the Long Term Disability plan pays from your 91st day of disability until Normal Social Security Retirement age should you remain disabled. Disability Insurance is protection for one of your most important assets: your ability to earn an income. Disabling illnesses and injuries are more common than most of us realize. If you're out of work for weeks or months without an income, how would you pay your regular expenses? Disability Insurance could provide the security you need, and pays in addition to any accrued sick leave.
Your maximum period of payment is based on your age at time of disability. Please see certificate for details.
Sick Leave Bank
You have the option to donate sick leave to help other employees when in need. In the event an employee or dependent suffers a catastrophic illness and has exhausted all his/her personal sick leave, the bank is available to provide additional days. Catastrophic is defined as a disabling injury, illness, or surgery requiring a disability period of longer than 20 continuous work days. Sick leave bank eligibility begins at the end of the 20-day period.
Benefits-eligible employees are eligible to participate in the sick leave bank, but you must have been employed for at least 1 year at the time of membership. Requests to join will only be accepted during the annual enrollment period and if approved, would be effective on the first working day in January. Please refer to the Effingham County Schools Employee Handbook for complete details.
Summary of Benefits
Pre-Existing Conditions - Short Term Disability
You have a pre-existing condition if you received medical treatment, consultation, care or services including diagnostic, or took prescribed drugs in the 3 months just prior to your effective date of coverage; and the disability begins in the first 6 months after your effective date of coverage. Once you have been insured on the Short Term Disability plan for 6 months, no limitation applies.
Pre-Existing Conditions - Long Term Disability
You have a pre-existing condition if you received medical treatment, consultation, care or services including diagnostic, or took prescribed drugs in the 3 months just prior to your effective date of coverage; and the disability begins in the first 12 months after your effective date of coverage. Once you have been insured on the plan for 12 months, no limitation applies.
Things to Consider
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Short Term Disability Plan pays in addition to sick leave
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Benefits are payable up to Social Security Normal Retirement Age
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No offsets for other income on the Long Term Disability Plan
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LTD benefits are payable to age 65 if you remain disabled
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Disability plans are not portable
