Benefits Handbook

To be considered disabled, you must be "totally" disabled. During the first 30 months of an approved disability (including the first 26 weeks (six months) under the Short Term Disability Plan), you are considered totally disabled if you are unable to continuously perform the substantial and material duties of your present occupation (sometimes referred to as "your own occupation") because of an illness or injury, as long as you are not engaged in any other occupation or employment. Medical certification of disability is required, and you must be under the regular care of a licensed physician who is qualified to treat your condition.

The Plan's definition of total disability changes after 30 continuous months of disability payments (including the first 26 weeks (six months) under the Short Term Disability Plan). After this period, you are considered totally disabled and eligible for benefits if you are continuously unable to engage in duties of any substantial gainful employment for which you are reasonably qualified by education, training or experience (sometimes referred to as "any occupation"). You must be under the regular care of a licensed physician who is qualified to treat your condition.

You or your doctor may be asked periodically to provide proof of your continuing disability.