Classified Staff Handbook: Disability Benefits
DISABILITY BENEFITS
Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP)
The Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP) is a disability plan that provides eligible employees income protection if the employee cannot work because of a non-work-related or work-related injury, illness or other medical condition. The Virginia Retirement System (VRS) administers VSDP in conjunction with a third-party administrator, and the university. The program offers short-term and long-term disability coverage at no cost to the employee. VSDP benefits include:
- sick leave (See Leave Benefits)
- family/personal leave (See Leave Benefits)
- short-term and long-term disability coverage
- long-term care coverage
- Transitional, medical rehabilitation and vocational rehabilitation plans to help you return to work if you are able
Under the VSDP short-term disability provisions, after a one-year waiting period from date of full-time employment, the employee will be provided income replacement during times of short-term disability for up to 125 days (6 months). The level of income replacement is based on months of state service. Classified employees in VSDP can utilize sick leave (restrictions apply), family/personal leave, and other eligible personal leave hours to supplement income levels less than 100%. In the event an extended leave of absence for medical reasons is anticipated or if a sudden medical leave of absence in excess of five business days occurs, a consultation with Human Resources should be scheduled. If you are unable to return to work full time, full duty within the six-months of short-term disability than you may transition into long-term disability.
For additional details regarding the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP) review the Virginia Retirement System website at www.varetire.org.
UNUM Long-term Disability Income Protection
Classified employees with Traditional Sick Leave can purchase UNUM long-term disability coverage.
UNUM Long-term disability coverage is income replacement for a situation where the employee is considered disabled. Employees can elect 25%, 40%, or 50% of their earnings to supplement income. The cost of UNUM long-term disability is based on the employee’s age and salary. If the employee enrolls within the first 60 days of employment an evidence of insurability is not required. If the employee does not elect to enroll in UNUM, there is an open enrollment period that occurs every even year in the spring.
