Disability Insurance

The state offers short-term disability insurance to full-time state and higher education employees through MetLife. The state also offers long-term disability insurance to full-time state employees through MetLife.

Higher education employees are not part of the state’s LTD program, and should discuss coverage options with their human resource office. 

Disability insurance helps cover your living expenses by protecting your pre-disability income lost due to sickness, pregnancy or as a direct result of accidental injury. All sick leave, annual leave and comp time must be used before benefits are payable. Members pay the full monthly premium.

Premiums adjust as of October of each year if your salary is greater on Sept. 1 compared to the prior Sept. 1, or if you move into a higher age bracket for LTD.

·    Short-term disability: Replaces a portion of your income during a disability, which could last up to 26 weeks. Two coverage options are available. Click here to calculate rates. Monthly rates are also in Edison.

·    Find answers to frequently asked questions, including information about disability due to pregnancy.

·    Long-term disability (state employees only): Replaces a portion of your income during a disability that is expected to last longer than 90-180 days. Four coverage options are available. Higher education employees can contact their agency benefits coordinators about LTD insurance offered through their higher education plans. Click here to calculate rates.  Monthly rates are also available in Edison.

Why is having disability insurance important?

If you are unable to work due to sickness, pregnancy or as a direct result of accidental injury, disability insurance can help pay your most important expenses. These include:
·         Mortgage or rent
·         Car payments
·         Food
·         Child care
·         Tuition
·         Utilities

Important information if you’re thinking about applying to enroll in coverage:

·    Those who enroll will pay 100% of the monthly premium with after-tax dollars. By paying with after-tax dollars, any benefits paid to you will result in a tax-free benefit.
·    If you intend to enroll in both STD and LTD, you should consider enrolling in one of the LTD options with a 180-day elimination period. The 26-week STD insurance will best cover the 180-day elimination period for your LTD, at a lower monthly cost.

You must use all of your accrued leave (sick, an­nual and compensatory time) before your disability payments begin.

Benefits payable during the benefit period may be reduced by other sources of income, such as worker's compensation, unemployment insurance and sick leave bank. See the certificate of coverage for a comprehensive list of other sources of income which may reduce the STD and/or LTD benefit.

Frequently asked questions about disability insurance benefits:

• State Disability FAQ
• STD Disability Insurance FAQ - Pregnancy
• STD Payable Benefit Period Calculation Examples
• Higher Education STD Disability FAQ 

The State Group Insurance long term disability and short term disability insurance plans are managed by MetLife. Please call the MetLife State of Tennessee dedicated customer service line with questions: 855.700.8001, Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., CT. Or visit, https://www.metlife.com/stateoftn/