You ARE required to use all of your accrued leave before your disability payments begin. This includes all sick leave, annual leave and compensatory leave. Any accrued leave that extends beyond the STD or LTD benefit start date will be an offset to the STD or LTD benefit. You will not be paid from two different sources for your disability. Your disability benefit payment from MetLife will begin after your pay from any accrued leave ends.
Every employee’s situation is different. Consider how much accrued sick and annual leave you have when deciding whether to purchase short term and/or long term disability insurance.
Please note that the long term disability insurance FAQs are for state employees only. The state of Tennessee does not offer long term disability insurance to higher education employees. If you are a higher education employee, direct questions on LTD to your agency benefits coordinator.