If you are on the Family Medical Leave Act due to your own disability you may be eligible to receive disability benefits if you meet the definition of disability per the plan. If you are on FMLA for any other reason, such as care of a family member, for example, you are not eligible to receive disability benefits. While on FMLA leave, you will be billed for disability coverage just as you are for other benefits, such as Medical and Dental.
You can take FMLA leave when your child is born, and therefore, you can use disability benefits due to the birth of a child. If you use FMLA for any reason other than a disability related to you, let’s say you need to care for a family member, then you may continue your STD coverage while you are on leave. You will be billed for disability premiums just as you are with other benefits offered such as dental or Life.
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.