Long Term Disability Insurance

Available through the workplace, this coverage helps maintain your standard of living if you're unable to earn a paycheck due to an accident or illness

Covers essential living expenses: can help pay for food, clothing, utilities, your mortgage, car payments and more

Direct monthly payments:  receive a portion of your salary paid directly to you each month if you’re unable to work (after initial waiting period)

Rehab incentives:  coverage may include financial incentives designed to help you transition back to work

Easy claims filing:  report claims online or by phone

Competitive rates:  this group coverage is offered only through your employer

For complete plan details, talk to your company’s benefits administrator.

I want to learn more about disability insurance.

FAQs

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When am I considered disabled? Collapsed Expanded

The definition of disability will vary depending on your employer's plan. Some policies consider you disabled when you're unable to perform your job duties, while others pay only if you're unable to perform in any job suitable for you based on your training, education and experience. Other policies require that you not be gainfully employed while you're collecting benefits or that you are unable to earn a certain percentage of your pre-disability income because of injury or sickness.

There are some policies that will pay you a portion of your total disability monthly benefit amount if you have lost a part of your income due to a disability. Other policies and plans may include a rehabilitation provision that requires you to take part in a vocational rehabilitation program in order to continue to receive benefits.

Keep in mind that many policies and plans have exclusions and limitations and may not fully cover certain disabilities and pre-existing conditions. Benefits differ from company to company, so speak with your benefits administrator for your workplace’s complete plan details. 

When will benefits start? Collapsed Expanded

Benefits may begin after you have met an elimination period – a plan-defined period of time, starting with the date you are disabled from work and the number of days you must continue to be disabled until benefits may begin. Most group long term disability plans have an elimination period of 90 days or 180 days. Under most group plans, generally the employer selects the elimination period.

When you choose disability coverage, consider how long you can manage without a paycheck. If you have significant savings, you may be willing to choose a longer elimination period. Typically, the longer the elimination period, the lower the premium.

How long will benefits be paid? Collapsed Expanded

With most group disability plans, the employer selects the maximum duration of benefits. The most frequently offered maximum benefit periods are two years, five years, and to age 65. Policies with shorter maximum benefit periods typically have lower premiums.

How much disability insurance do I need? Collapsed Expanded

Disability coverage that replaces at least 60 percent of your after-tax income is generally recommended.

To estimate the benefit amount you would need if you became disabled, ask yourself how much monthly income would cover your living expenses. Household expenses may include mortgage and car payments, groceries and child care. Consider all these factors to help you come up with an appropriate amount.

The MetLife Disability Calculator is another handy resource you can use to estimate the amount of disability insurance income you would need to help maintain your current standard of living. 

What additional benefits are available? Collapsed Expanded

Social Security disability benefits may be available to eligible individuals who experience a disability that is expected to last longer than one year, in addition to other requirements. Social Security disability benefits are not intended for temporary conditions. You should also note that Social Security's disability rules are different from those of other government or private programs. For more information on Social Security disability benefits eligibility, visit the Social Security Administration's website at www.ssa.gov.

What if I need to file a claim? Collapsed Expanded

You will need written proof of your disability from your treatment provider(s) to file a claim. You may also need to provide additional medical records concerning the details of your disability. Your insurer may also want you examined at their cost and/or may require financial information from you. Please see your company’s benefits administrator for details.

MetLife offers various ways to submit your claim based on your plan, including online, mail, phone and fax options. Plus, you can count on MetLife to provide caring, compassionate and accurate claims service if and when you experience a disability.  

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Employers and HR Professionals

Learn about MetLife Disability Insurance for your employees.

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Like most disability income insurance policies, MetLife's policies contain certain exclusions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force.  Ask your representative about costs and complete details.  For policies issued in New York:  Individual disability income insurance policies provide disability income insurance only.  They do NOT provide basic hospital, basic medical or major medical insurance as defined by the New York State Insurance Department.  The expected benefit ratio for these polices is at least 50%.  This ratio is the portion of future premiums that MetLife expects to return as benefits when averaged over all people with the applicable policy.

ADF# DI1594.17