Short-Term Disability (STD)

Eligibility:

Members who are covered by the United Church of Christ Life Insurance and Disability Income Benefits Plan (LIDI), after being out of work for 30 consecutive days, if approved by MetLife.

Member's Responsibility:

Contact MetLife, at 1.800.300.4296 to apply for STD, if the member's physician has determined that disability will exceed 30 days. MetLife will inform the member and the Pension Boards of approval or denial of the STD claim.

MetLife's Responsibility:

To send a weekly check to the member that is 60% of the salary basis (cash plus housing allowance). The minimum weekly benefit is $20; maximum weekly benefit is $1,384.62. Maximum duration of STD is 22 weeks.

NOTE: For pregnancy, short-term disability benefits are paid without regard to the 30-day waiting period. Unless complications warrant an extension, six weeks of short-term disability payments are provided for a normal delivery and eight weeks for a Caesarean section.

Employer's Responsibility:

For the duration of STD (maximum 22 weeks) the employer continues to pay Annuity Plan contributions, and premiums for the LIDI Benefit Plan and the UCC Health/Dental Benefit Plans. Salary should not be paid while the member is on STD. If salary is paid, it reduces the amount of STD payable dollar-for-dollar.

Taxes:

STD benefits are taxable income. The member will receive a Form W-2 from the MetLife after year-end. Benefits paid to clergy with standing are eligible for the housing allowance exclusion. Clergy will also be sent tax resources to assist them in claiming the housing allowance exclusion.

Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Eligibility:

Members who are covered by the United Church of Christ Life Insurance and Disability Income Benefits Plan (LIDI), after being on short-term disability (STD) benefits for 22 weeks, if approved by MetLife. If the member remains disabled, the LTD benefits generally continue to age 65.

Member's Responsibility:

To provide medical information requested by MetLife; apply for Social Security Disability benefits and provide MetLife with proof of application; to inform MetLife of approval or denial of Social Security Disability benefit claim.

MetLife's Responsibility:

To send a monthly check, based on 66.67% of the salary basis (cash plus housing allowance.) The minimum monthly benefit is $100; maximum monthly benefit is $6,000. Benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar by Social Security Disability Benefits awarded to the member. MetLife pays Annuity Plan contributions at 7% of salary basis for members of the Annuity Plan for the United Church of Christ, and provides premium free health, dental and LIDI coverage.

Employer’s Responsibilities:

None. Once short-term disability ends, the employer is no longer responsible for making any contributions or paying any premiums or salary.

Taxes:

LTD benefits are taxable income. The member will receive a Form W-2 from MetLife after year-end. Benefits paid to clergy with standing are eligible for the housing allowance exclusion. Clergy also will be sent tax resources to assist them in claiming the housing allowance exclusion.

Pension Boards Contact:

Call us toll-free at 1.800.642.6543 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions concerning the UCC LIDI Plan.