SURS disability claim: Speak to your HR contact to start your claim. For additional information, including deadlines and documentation requirements, see SURS Disability Benefit.

University disability claim: You may start your claim using one of three options. You must also speak to your HR contact.

Online: At www.prudential.com/mybenefits complete the Employee Statement.
- To log in, select the “Register Now” (yellow button) and enter “University of Illinois” under Employer/Association Name, and then follow the on-screen prompts.
Phone: Call Prudential at 800-842-1718 to notify them of your claim. You should be prepared to answer questions regarding your disability.
Paper: Print and complete the paper form and mail it to Prudential at the address on the form.
- Complete the Employee Statement.
- Ask your doctor to complete the Attending Physician Statement.
- Complete the Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization to select electronic deposit of any approved benefit payment(s) to your checking or savings account.
- Complete the Group Disability Insurance Authorization to authorize the release of medical records to Prudential to review your claim and determine your benefit payment on any disability that meets the disability definition under this plan.

Do I use my sick leave when on disability?

You must use all of your accumulated sick leave before disability benefits can begin.

Where can I get more detailed information?

SURS disability claim: Contact SURS at 800-275-7877 for specific questions requiring additional detail about your SURS disability.

University disability claim: Contact Prudential at 800-842-1718 for questions regarding your Prudential Supplemental LTD coverage or claim.

University Plan - Prudential Supplemental Long Term Disability

How is disability defined in order to qualify for benefits?

There are two ways to be considered disabled:

Occupation Test: During the first 60 months of disability, you will be considered disabled if you are under the care of a licensed physician (other than yourself) and are unable to perform one or more of the material duties of your regular job due to a covered illness, injury or pregnancy. After the first 60 months of disability, you will continue to be considered disabled if you cannot perform at least one of the material duties of each gainful occupation for which your education, training, and experience may qualify you.
Earnings Test: If you do not qualify as disabled as defined above, you may also be considered disabled in any month in which you are working, but an injury, sickness or pregnancy prevents you from earning more than 80% of your basic monthly earnings prior to becoming disabled. Overall coverage for mental illness conditions are limited to 24 months.

Are any disabilities limited in coverage?

Yes. Disabilities due to mental illness may have a limited pay period of 24 months during your lifetime. Examples of mental illness include schizophrenia, depression, manic depressive or bipolar illness, anxiety, somatization, substance related disorders (including drug and alcohol abuse), and/or adjustment disorders. Disabilities with a limited pay period do not extend the maximum period of benefits.

Is there a preexisting condition limit?

Yes. A preexisting condition is any illness or injury for which you were treated during the six months before your coverage effective date. No benefits will be paid for a disability caused by a preexisting condition. However, this limitation will no longer apply if you:

Do not receive any treatment or services for that condition for six consecutive months.
Are insured under the plan for a full 24 months without interruption.

What is not covered?

No long term disability benefits will be paid for disability caused by an intentional self-inflicted injury; war, whether declared or undeclared, or any act of war; active participation in a riot; or commission of a crime for which you have been convicted. Benefits are also not payable for any period of incarceration as a result of a conviction.

What is the minimum monthly benefit if I am approved for disability benefits?

The minimum monthly benefit is $100.

Will my monthly benefit be reduced by "Deductible Sources of Income"?

Yes, your benefit may be reduced by any benefits you receive from certain other sources (Deductible Sources of Income), such as:

Disability benefits from:
- State Universities Retirement System (SURS)
- Statutory Plans
- Workers' Compensation
- Social Security to you and your dependents
Policyholder or employer-sponsored retirement benefits and governmental retirement benefits
Refer to the Prudential LTD Certificate for other Deductible Sources of Income

What is the maximum benefit period?

The benefit period is based on your age on the day the period of disability started.

Disability Payments
Age at Disability	Maximum Benefit Period
Under age 61	To your normal retirement age, but not less than 60 months*
Age 61	To your normal retirement age, but not less than 48 months*
Age 62	To your normal retirement age, but not less than 42 months*
Age 63	To your normal retirement age, but not less than 36 months*
Age 64	To your normal retirement age, but not less than 30 months*
Age 65	24 months**
Age 66	21 months**
Age 67	18 months**
Age 68	15 months**
Age 69 and over	12 months**
* Your normal retirement age is your retirement age under the Social Security Act where retirement age depends on your year of birth. ** Following the end of the elimination period.

What are the tax implications of benefit payments?

Benefit payments are not subject to income tax because premiums are paid with after-tax dollars.

What happens if I go back to work part-time? Will I still receive an LTD benefit?

Yes, you may still be eligible to receive a monthly benefit from Prudential if you are working part-time. Prudential will adjust your monthly benefit based on the partial disability earnings you receive from the University. Please refer to the Prudential LTD Certificate for a further explanation on how disability benefits are determined while working part-time and receiving partial earnings.

Can I keep my LTD coverage after terminating University employment?

You may be eligible to convert your coverage to a Group Long Term Disability Conversion Plan. Review the eligibility information in the LTD Conversion Kit. If you are eligible and you would like to apply for conversion coverage, complete the Request for LTD Conversion Form beginning on page 12 of the Conversion Kit. You must apply within 60 days of your termination date by sending your application to the address listed on the form. Questions should be directed to the Customer Service phone number listed on page 1 of the Conversion Kit.