Disability Benefits

Disability benefits provide you with a continuing source of income in the event of a serious illness or injury that keeps you from working.

There are two types of disability benefits: short term and long term. Short term disability (weekly indemnity) provides you with an income for the early portion of a disability period. Long term disability provides income replacement when you are off for an extended period of time.  For more information on short and long term disability see below.

Short Term Disability Weekly Indemnity

If you are entitled to this benefit, the option selected by your group will be shown on your wallet identification card.

Payment of benefit

If you become totally disabled while insured for this benefit, and meet the entitlement criteria, the benefit provider will pay a disability benefit to you.

Benefit amount

A percentage of your weekly earning limited to a maximum of:

• as specified in the collective agreement, or
• as determined by the CLAC Benefit Committee in the absence of the above

Group options available

Short term disability benefits are 66.67% of weekly earnings with maximums of $435*, $450, or $450 plus $50 increments to a maximum of $750 per week.

*current EI max effective January 1, 2008

For more detailed information on this benefit, refer to the group insurance plan booklet.

Long Term Disability

If you are entitled to this benefit, the option selected by your group will be shown on your wallet identification card.

Payment of benefit

If you become totally disabled while insured for this benefit, and meet the entitlement criteria, the benefit provider will pay a disability benefit to you.

Benefit amount

A percentage of your monthly earnings, limited to a maximum benefit of:

• as specified in the collective agreement, or
• as determined by the CLAC Benefit Committee in the absences of the above

Note: The benefit provider may require you to apply for any disability income under a government or automotive insurance program.

Group options available

Duration	% of salary	Minimum/Maximum
five years	55% of last six months calculated earnings	based on gross wages
to age 65	60% of monthly salary	$1,300 to $6,500
to age 65	70% of monthly salary	$1,300 to $6,500

It is important to understand that LTD benefits provide temporary financial assistance at a time when you are unable to work. You will be expected to work with the insurance carrier's disability analysts and rehabilitation department to facilitate your return to gainful employment. Participation in the rehabilitation program is mandatory under our insurance policy.

For more detailed information on this benefit, refer to the group insurance plan booklet.