Benefits

Short-Term Disability

Short-term disability (STD) benefits are payable during periods of total disability, partial disability, maternity leave, or periodic absences due to a major chronic condition, as determined by the Virginia Sickness and Disability (VSDP) administrator. Disability refers to an employee’s serious medical or mental health condition.

After one year of employment, employees who have VSDP benefits become eligible for 60% income replacement while under an approved STD claim. Employees must satisfy a 7-calendar day waiting period prior to receiving their approved STD income replacement.  Additionally, the maximum time an employee can be covered under an STD claim is 125 workdays. Please see the Virginia Sickness and Disability Handbook for more information, as well as the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) website.

Long-Term Disability

After an employee has been on a VSDP Short-term Disability (STD) claim for 125 workdays, they become eligible for VSDP Long-term Disability (LTD).  If approved, LTD benefits will provide an employee with 60% income replacement and are payable during periods of total or partial disability.

Employees on VSDP Long-Term Disability may continue their active employee health care plan, but will need to pay the Total Premium (Employer plus Employee portions) as indicated on their health insurance premium. Virginia Retirement System (VRS)-administered health insurance credit will also apply. Please see the Virginia Sickness and Disability Handbook for more information, as well as the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) website.

Lastly, employees on long-term disability are not considered employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia. While an employee is on long-term disability, the university is allowed to recruit for and fill the position.