Optional Short-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Paid)
Short-term disability insurance provides weekly income during periods of total disability (resulting from a covered non-industrial injury, pregnancy, or illness) in the six-month waiting period before long-term disability benefits begin.
Employees have the choice to purchase a short-term disability plan. If chosen, the employee pays the full cost of premiums through payroll deduction. Calculate your premiums for short-term disability insurance.
2026 Short-term Disability Plan Options
The University of Arizona offers its benefits-eligible employees a choice of two short-term disability plans: The Hartford (ADOA) and Unum (U of A). Visit the Short-Term Disability Insurance Comparison page for a complete comparison chart and video comparing the plans and rates.
2026 Open Enrollment - Special Enrollment Opportunity: You have a one-time opportunity to enroll in STD coverage without an elimination period penalty, allowing you to receive benefits more quickly. Current elections will transfer automatically to the new carriers.
2026 Summary Comparison
| Carrier | Unum (U of A) | The Hartford (ADOA) |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit | pays 70% of your base weekly earnings | pays 662/3% of your base weekly earnings |
| Maximum Benefit | three options (A, B & C), with maximum weekly benefits up to:
| Up to $897.43 maximum per week Minimum benefit payment of $67.31 |
| Offset | May receive benefits even if using paid sick/vacation time. | Benefits are reduced by amount of paid sick/vacation time. |
| Contact Information | Unum, (800) 858-6843 | The Hartford, 877-791-1381 |
| Plan Information | Unum Brochure Unum Plan Document | The Hartford Plan Summary (Coming Soon) The Hartford Policy (Coming Soon) |
| 2026 Changes | Premiums decreasing (10% reduction) Coverage and benefits unchanged | NEW VENDOR: Moving from MetLife to The Hartford
|
2025 Short-term Disability Plan Options
The University of Arizona offers its benefits-eligible employees a choice of two short-term disability plans: MetLife and Unum. Visit the Short-Term Disability Insurance Comparison page for complete comparison chart and video comparing the plans and rates.
2025 Summary Comparison
| Carrier | Unum | MetLife |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit | pays 70% of your base weekly earnings | pays 662/3% of your base weekly earnings |
| Maximum Benefit | three options (A, B & C), with maximum weekly benefits up to: Option A: $750 Option B: $1,500 Option C: $2,000 | Up to $897.43 maximum per week |
| Offset | May receive benefits even if using paid sick/vacation time | Benefits are reduced by amount of paid sick/vacation time. |
| Contact Information | Unum, (800) 858-6843 | MetLife, 866-264-5144 |
| Plan Information | Unum Brochure Unum Plan Document | MetLife Plan Summary MetLife Policy |
Short-Term Disability Insurance - FAQ
On receiving your leave paperwork, Human Resources will send you instructions for filing a claim. You may file a claim by telephone or online following your actual last day of work. The carriers cannot accommodate anticipatory claims.
Upon approval, the carrier will send a weekly benefit payment directly to the address you provide on your claim form.
Please allow up to ten business days for a claim to be processed.
No. Because you have already paid payroll taxes on the premium, no federal or state income tax is due on the benefit received. The insurance company will not deduct taxes from your weekly benefit check, nor will they mail you a W-2 at the end of the year.
This depends on the insurance carrier you have elected. Unum benefits are not offset by any other paid leave. The Hartford (ADOA) benefits are offset by 100% of sick or vacation pay.
The maximum benefit period is 26 weeks for Unum and 22–26 weeks for The Hartford.
It is advantageous to file a long-term disability claim as early as the third month after the onset of disability. Allowing a three-month processing window can increase the likelihood that your claim will be completed by the time your six-month waiting period has been satisfied.
Yes. You are required to file a short-term disability claim first if you will also be applying for Compassionate Transfer of Leave.
Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employer-Paid or Subsidized)
Long-term disability insurance is a form of income protection that provides 66.67% of your basic monthly earnings in the event of a disabling illness or injury. A six-month qualification period is required before benefits begin.
Long-term disability coverage is automatically provided as part of your mandatory retirement plan. Coverage under this plan is dependent upon the retirement plan you are participating in at the onset of disability.
Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Members
- Your minimum monthly benefit is $50.00.
- Your LTD contribution is a post-tax contribution and is matched by the university. Current rates are published on the ASRS Contribution Rates page.
- Your provider is Broadspire Services Inc, (877) 232-0596.
- ASRS Member LTD Information
Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) or Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) Members
- Your minimum monthly benefit is $100.00.
- You do not pay for this benefit: it is 100% paid by the university.
NEW for 2026: Your provider is The Hartford (changing from MetLife), 877-791-1381. Current claims with MetLife will continue with MetLife.
Benefit Payments
Generally, the monthly benefit is 66.67% of your basic monthly earnings. Benefit payments will be offset by the following, if applicable:
- Workers' Compensation
- Social Security Disability Benefits
- Social Security Retirement Benefits
- State Retirement Disability Benefits
- State Retirement Benefits
- "Other Income Benefits" outlined in the plan booklet
You may apply for Social Security Disability benefits at the Social Security office closest to you.
Waiting Period
There is a waiting period of six consecutive months, during which you must be continuously and totally disabled before long-term disability benefits begin.
Whenever possible, it is wise to file a long-term disability claim as early as the third month after the onset of disability. Allowing a three-month processing window can increase the likelihood that your claim will be completed when your six-month waiting period has been satisfied.
See your plan summary booklet for the duration of benefits information.