Overview
Consider enrolling in the voluntary short-term and/or voluntary long-term disability plans during your period of initial eligibility (PIE) and/or your first 31 days as a new hire.
About UC's disability insurance plans
As UC employees, we do not participate in the California State Disability Insurance (CA-SDI), California Paid Family Leave (CA-PFL), and San Francisco Paid Parental Leave (SF-PFL) programs.
Time away from work due to pregnancy, unexpected illness or injury could place you off work for an extended period of time.
- If you were to go on an unpaid leave of absence for medical reasons, including pregnancy, it’s likely that the only wage supplement available may be the Basic Disability plan; however, this plan only pays up to $800 a month, which is likely not enough to cover even basic expenses.
For a modest monthly premium, UC’s voluntary short & long disability insurance replaces much more of your income while on an unpaid medical or pregnancy leave — 60% of your eligible pay up to $15,000 per month.
Carefully consider enrolling in the voluntary disability plans and exploring these wage income replacement options should you be unable to work due to your own illness or injury, including pregnancy.
Newly-hired employees are given a 31-day period of initial eligibility (PIE) to enroll in voluntary short- and/or long-term disability. It is strongly recommended that you closely review during your PIE the disability coverage you may need as these plans are not available during open enrollment.
Lincoln Financial Group (LFG) is UC's plan administrator for these disability plans.
Types of disability plan offerings
UC pays the full monthly premium for this plan and is an automatic enrollment.
It provides wage income replacement if you are unable to work due to your own injury or illness, including pregnancy.
Benefit pays 55% of eligible earnings up to $800 per month maximum.
- Minimum 14-calendar-day waiting period up to a maximum of 30 calendar days*
- Pays a disability benefit for up to six months maximum
- Benefit is taxable
*During the waiting period, employees may use sick/extended sick time (EST) according to policy and/or union collective bargaining agreement contracts.
It is important to note, while this disability plan offers some wage income replacement, it may not be enough to cover your expenses or financial obligations.
Employees may choose to enroll in the voluntary short-term and/or voluntary long-term disability insurance for additional coverage and greater wage income replacement benefit.
You pay the monthly premium for this plan. It is not an automatic enrollment; you must enroll during your PIE.
Premium depends on your age and salary, and is paid using after-tax dollars. Refer to the "Premium Estimator Calculator" tool on UCnet to determine your monthly premium.
Benefit pays 60% of eligible earnings up to $15,000 per month.
- Minimum 14-calendar-day waiting period up to a maximum of 30 calendar days*
- Pays a disability benefit for up to six months maximum
*During the waiting period, employees may use sick/extended sick time (EST) according to policy and/or union collective bargaining agreement contracts.
Not available during open enrollment.
You pay the monthly premium for this plan. It is not an automatic enrollment, you must enroll during your PIE.
Premium depends on your age and salary, and is paid using after-tax dollars. Refer to the "Premium Estimator Calculator" tool on UCnet to determine your monthly premium.
Benefit pays 60% of eligible earnings up to $15,000 per month.
- Minimum six-month waiting period
- Pays a disability benefit up to Social Security retirement age
Not available during open enrollment.
Why should I enroll?
Newly-hired employees are given a 31-day period of initial eligibility (PIE) to enroll in voluntary short- and/or long-term disability.
- It is strongly recommended that you closely review during your PIE the disability coverages you may need as these plans are not available during open enrollment.
If you do not enroll during your 31-day PIE as a new hire and then wish to enroll at a later date, you may only enroll by submitting an Evidence of Insurability application (which includes a Statement of Health) to Lincoln Financial Group — qualification is not guaranteed.
- Statement of Health is subject to pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy.
- LFG determines enrollment into these plans.
Do not wait to enroll in the voluntary short- and/or long-term disability plans, especially if you're considering becoming pregnant in the future.