Open enrollment has begun for SMART Transportation Division bus and rail members in the union’s new Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP). The plan, now underwritten by Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, is available for long-term protection against a sudden loss of income due to an illness or injury. Although Open Enrollment will run through Nov. 30, 2019, members may sign up at any time during the enrollment period. Coverage will commence upon successful completion of the enrollment process.
This plan has been established to provide yet another level of financial security to members in the event that a long-term recovery from an illness or injury leaves them unable to work. Members can customize their 24-7 coverage by selecting the benefit option best suiting their individual needs and then pay for coverage through payroll deductions. VDP benefits are payable after a 180-day elimination period and are paid in addition to any other benefits such as the TD Voluntary Short-Term Disability (VSTD) plan, worker’s comp, Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) sickness benefit or others.
The new VDP has two- and five-year options with monthly benefits starting at $300 up to $5,000 available in $100 increments that can cover up to 60% of an enrollee’s earnings. Approval of benefits from Amalgamated is subject to participation requirements and/or simplified medical underwriting.
This VDP coverage is portable for all members, and it won’t be lost if an enrollee is furloughed or suspended. Benefits remain payable in addition to other disability benefits, exceed those of standard long-term disability plans and will give financial security in a time of need.
This plan is optional and voluntary. If a member does not enroll, he or she will not be covered.
Information concerning benefit options and rates for all SMART TD members is available at www.smart-vltd.com, by emailing info@smart-vltd.com or by calling the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.
Tag: rail disability insurance
The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the following changes to the Voluntary Short Term Disability (VSTD) plans for bus and rail members, effective January 1, 2017:
VSTD changes for bus members
For Bus Members, the maximum weekly VSTD benefit will increase from $210 to $240.
The Elimination Period for Bus Members, which is the waiting period between the first day of a disability and the date benefits actually begin, will be reduced from 30 days to 21 days (benefits will begin on the 22nd day of disability).
Click here for additional information.
VSTD changes for rail members
For Rail Members, the maximum weekly VSTD benefit will increase from $400 to $450.
The Elimination Period for Rail Members, which is the waiting period between the first day of a disability and the date benefits actually begin, will be reduced from 30 days to 21 days (benefits will begin on the 22nd day of disability).
Click here for additional information.
Haven’t enrolled in VSTD? Click here for information on late enrollment options.