6.22.23 – Workers’ Compensation With Long Term Disability And Social Security Disability

Workers’ Compensation with Long Term Disability and Social Security Disability

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Workers’ Compensation/Injury on Duty (IOD) with Long Term Disability (LTD)

This benefit is only available to those who have elected Long Term Disability (LTD) coverage with MetLife. MetLife Short Term Disability does not cover an approved work related injury. Always file your LTD claim as soon as possible to avoid missing the one year filing deadline. LTD must be filed within 12 months from the date of disability. The LTD claim form is available on the Benefits page of Jetnet or by calling MetLife at 888-533-6287, option 2.

For those of you on Salary Continuance, LTD benefits begin when your salary continuance ends and your sick bank has been depleted. If you do not receive Salary Continuance, LTD benefits start at the end of 4 months of continuous disability, and your sick bank is depleted. Once your LTD claim is approved, you will receive a minimum benefit if you receive Worker’s Compensation benefits. LTD benefits are non-taxed.

If you are no longer receiving Workers’ Compensation pay, LTD payments are based on 50% of 71 hours of the Flight Attendant’s base pay. For LTD to continue beyond 24 months, medical substantiation is required, which shows that Flight Attendant is permanently disabled and cannot perform any type of employment.

Social Security Disability Benefits

If you receive LTD benefits, per MetLife’s policy, you are required to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) within six months of when the LTD claim is approved. If you do not have LTD coverage, you may also apply for Social Security Disability. SSD eligibility is generally based on 12 months of continuous Disability.

Social Security Disability benefits are taxed as income only if you or your spouse earned taxable income. Contact your local Social Security office or log on to the Social Security website for more information.

In Solidarity,

Bellia Peckson
APFA Injury on Duty Chair
[email protected]