ERISA claims often arise under the same big employers, such as FedEx. It can be confusing as far as how to file a claim and what is needed. Below is some helpful information if you are an employee of FedEx and need to make a long-term disability claim. Remember, we are here to help if you have problems or questions.
Below is information provided by FedEx Office for its employees on how to file for ERISA short-term and ERISA long-term disability benefits.
FedEx Office’s disability insurance plans are designed to provide income protection if you are unable to work because of an illness, injury, or pregnancy. Short-term disability payments help you replace income lost for up to 12 weeks if you are disabled. However, should your disability continue for an extended period, long-term disability payments could provide additional income security. FedEx Office pays the entire premium for these coverages.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISABILITY BENEFITS
How do I know if I am eligible for disability benefits?
To be eligible, you must be a full0time team member of FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc., working at least 32 hours per week. If you meet the regular, full-time eligibility qualifications stated above, you will be automatically enrolled in this coverage on the first day of the month following or coinciding with three months of con
tinuous full-time employment. For example, if you begin work on May 15, you will be eligible for coverage on September 1. If however, at the time you apply for disability benefits, a review of your hours worked reveals you have not been working at least 32 hours per week; you will not be eligible for benefits. What are the factors used to determine if I am disabled? Under the terms of the contract, you are disabled when Aetna determines you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your regular occupation due to your sickness or injury, and you have a 20% or more loss in weekly earnings due to the same sickness or injury. Aetna will make a determination of disability based on objective medical evidence.
What if I am placed on a reduced-work schedule by my doctor?
You may apply for short-term disability benefits even if you are working and, due to your disability, you are earning less than 80% of your earnings before you become disabled. Is there a waiting period for disability benefits? Yes, 7 calendar days for all disabilities. What does disability pay? Disability pays up to 60% of your weekly
earnings, to a maximum of $1,000 per week. How do I file a claim for disability benefits? It is your responsibility to contact Aetna to file your disability claim. To set up your claim, contact Aetna at 866-240-4385 from Monday-Friday (7am-7pm CST). In addition, you can go on-line to www.wkabsystem.com, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
to file your claim. Website identifier is FedEx Office. You must file your claim within 90 days of your disability.
If I am eligible for disability benefits, how will I receive payment?
Any payment you receive for disability benefits will be sent directly to you from Aetna. Aetna issues disability checks on a weekly basis.
How long are short-term disability benefits payable?
Short-term disability benefits are payable for a maximum of 12 weeks, as long as you remain disabled. If you exhaust short-term disability benefits, a long-term disability claim will be automatically set up for you by Aetna.
What if I work in a state that has state disability benefits?
If you work in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island, you will need to apply for state disability benefits. Any payment received from a state disability plan will be deducted from gross disability payments from Aetna. Please refer to the benefits website at benefits fedexkinkos.com for forms and additional information.
If I am missing time due to a work-related injury or illness, may I apply for disability benefits?
Yes, you may apply for disability benefits. Any payment received from worker’s compensation will be deducted from gross disability payments from Aetna.
May I use sick and vacation time to offset disability pay?
You may use vacation and/or sick time during the waiting period. After the waiting period, you may use vacation time to supplement disability
insurance so that you may receive 100% of your normal gross earnings. You may also use sick time to supplement disability insurance; however,
disability insurance may be reduced by the amount of sick time used.
Where may I get additional information?
Please visit the FedEx Office benefits library at benefits.fedexkinkos.com.
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If you believe you have been wrongfully denied your ERISA, or non-ERISA, long-term disability benefits, give us a call for a free lawyer consultation. You can reach Cody Allison & Associates, PLLC at (615) 234-6000. We are based in Nashville, Tennessee; however, we represent clients in many states (TN, KY, GA, AL, MS, AR, NC, SC, FL, MI, OH, MO, LA, VA, WV, just to name a few). We will be happy to talk to you no matter where you live. You can also e-mail our office at cody@codyallison.com. Put our experience to work for you. For more information go to www.LTDanswers.com.
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