Benefits Handbook

To be considered disabled, you must be "totally" disabled. During the first 30 months of an approved disability (including the first 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 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. You are responsible for any costs you may incur to initially qualify for disability, such as providing medical records or submitting to an independent medical examination. The Plan does not cover these costs.

The Plan's definition of total disability changes after 30 months (including the first 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. 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. You will be responsible for any doctor's charges or other costs associated with providing such proof. The Plan does not cover these costs.