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UC Disability Benefits

Your disability benefits provide income to replace lost wages. Every disability is different and the University's benefits are designed to address individual situations and concerns.

UC Paid Basic Disability

The plan provides up to 55 percent of your eligible monthly earnings, to a maximum benefit of $800 per month, for up to six months. You will be covered after a 14-calendar-day waiting period, but you will need to use up to 22 sick days, if available, before benefits begin. UC pays the full cost of coverage, and you are automatically enrolled. Your Basic Disability income is generally taxable.

Voluntary Short-Term and/or Long-Term Disability

The plan provides up to 60 percent of your eligible earnings, to a maximum benefit of $15,000 per month. Voluntary Disability income is generally not taxable, since you pay the premiums with after-tax dollars. The start date and duration of your coverage depends on the level of coverage you choose:

  • Short-Term only

    You will be covered after a 14-calendar-day waiting period, but only for up to six months. You will need to use up to 22 sick days, if available, before benefits begin.

  • Long-Term only

    You will be covered after 6 months until your Social Security retirement age for most conditions. This might be a good option for employees with a lot of sick leave accrued, academic employees eligible for paid medical leave, or those who can cover household expenses without much income for up to six months.

  • Short and Long-Term

    You will be covered after a 14-calendar-day waiting period, until your Social Security retirement age for most conditions. You will need to use up to 22 sick days, if available, before benefits begin. Choosing both Voluntary Short and Long-Term Disability provides the most comprehensive coverage for all types of disability leaves.

Premium Estimator for Disability Insurance
  • Information needed to use the Premium Estimator

    In order to use the Premium Estimator, you will be asked to provide the following information:

    • Date of Birth
    • Annual eligible earnings, based on your percentage appointment.
      • Example: if you have a 50 percent FTE appointment with an annual salary of $80,000, your annual eligible earnings would be $40,000.)
    • Were you hired on or after July 1, 2013 or are you in a position that is not eligible for the UC Retirement Plan?
    • Eligible earnings do not include pay such as stipends, shift differentials, overtime, agreement payments, compensation for extension teaching and summer salary (academics only), etc.

    Premium costs depend on your monthly salary, age and the level of coverage you choose (short-term, long-term or both); estimate your costs here.

How to Enroll
  • How to Enroll

    Enrollment in Basic Disability Insurance is automatic, as soon as you become eligible. Newly-hired employees are given a 31-day period of initial eligibility (PIE) to enroll in Voluntary Short- and/or Long-Term Disability. Choose the coverage you need during your PIE. Later, you may only enroll by submitting an Evidence of Insurability application (which includes a Statement of Health) to the insurance company. The insurance company will make the determination on your request.

    To add a newborn child, the employee must log into the UCPath Portal > Employee Actions > Health and Welfare, Life Events/Beneficiaries to enroll the newborn child or,

    You may access the Health Benefits Enrollment Form for Life Event at UCPath Portal > Forms Library > Access Forms > Health Benefits Enrollment for Life Event.

Important Information About Disability Benefits
  • Get more information about disability benefits
    • You must be under a doctor’s continuous care.
    • You must meet the applicable definition of disability for Basic, Voluntary Short-Term or Voluntary Long-Term benefits.
    • There is a 14-calendar-day waiting period before you can begin receiving benefits through Basic or Voluntary Short-Term Disability. However, you’ll need to use up to 22 sick days, if available, before benefits begin.
    • Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse related benefits are usually limited to a 24-month lifetime maximum through Voluntary Long-Term Disability Insurance.
    • If you are eligible for disability benefits through workers’ compensation, California SDI, Social Security, UCRP, or other sources, they will be coordinated with your Basic and/or Voluntary Disability benefits.
    • UC does not participate in California State Disability Insurance (SDI).
      • Note: Employees who have worked for UC for less than 18 months may have some residual SDI benefits.
      • Employees are required to apply for SDI who have worked less than 18 months at UC when applying for disability benefits through Lincoln Financial Group.
    • Guide to Filing for Disability Benefits - this is a helpful resource, provided by Lincoln Financial Group, for employees who are filing for disability benefits.
    • How to File for Disability Checklist
    • How to file for Pregnancy Disability Checklist