Disability Insurance

West Virginia University (WVU) offers benefits-eligible employees two options for Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance as well as an option for Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage. These plans are designed to offer peace of mind if an employee is disabled and unable to work.

Long-Term Disability (LTD)

There are distinct differences and providers for each of the two LTD plan options listed below. Please read the information below carefully before selecting the plan that is right for you. Employees can only enroll in one LTD option.

Option 1: WVU Group Long-Term Disability

Carrier: The Standard Insurance Company

• Premiums: Premiums are based on the employee’s base salary and age and paid by the employee. This is a post-tax benefit deduction; therefore, the benefit is not taxable.

• Waiting Period: 6 months.

• Monthly Income Benefit: The monthly income benefit is 60 percent of monthly wage base paid by the employer, not to exceed a benefit of $5,000 a month, less the sum of benefits from other sources that apply to the same month (e.g., Social Security, workers' compensation, state disability, etc.). In no event will the monthly income benefit be less than $100 or 10 percent of the monthly income benefit before benefits from other sources are subtracted.

• Monthly Annuity Premium Benefit: Employees enrolled in the plan also receive a monthly annuity premium benefit. The annuity benefit provides for a monthly contribution of an amount equal to 12 percent of the employee's salary to their 401(a) account with TIAA.

• Survivor Income Benefit: The plan also includes a survivor income benefit payable as of the first day of the month after the employee’s death. The benefit equals the last monthly income benefit received, multiplied by three. Limitations apply.

• Enrollment: Employees may enroll the month of hire or during the two following months. Employees who enroll after that time period will be required to submit an evidence of insurability subject to review and approval by The Standard Insurance Company.

  • To enroll, complete the WVU Group Long-Term Disability enrollment form or reach out to WVU Shared Services at SharedServices@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-6006.

  • WVU Group LTD can be cancelled at any time by completing the WVU Long-Term Disability Cancellation Form

  • Additional resources:

    • Standard LTD Booklet
    • Standard Benefits at a Glance

    • Brief video overview comparing the WVU Group LTD policy and the Mt. Flex LTD policy

    • Policy #135501

Option 2: Mt. Flex Long-Term Disability (Mt. Flex LTD)

Administrator: Mountaineer Flexible Benefits

Carrier: MetLife

• Plan Year: July 1 - June 30

• Premiums: Premiums are based on the employee’s base salary and age and paid by the employee. This is a pre-tax benefit deduction; therefore, the benefit is taxable.

• Waiting Period: 180 days.

• Monthly Income Benefit:

  • Plan 1: 50% of the first $6,000 of monthly pre-disability earning, reduced by deductible income (e.g., Social Security, workers' compensation, state disability, etc.).. Maximum benefit is $3,000.

  • Plan 2: 60% of the first $8,571 of monthly pre-disability earning, reduced by deductible income (e.g., Social Security, workers' compensation, state disability, etc.). Maximum benefit is $6,000.

• Monthly Annuity Premium Benefit: None.

• Survivor Income Benefit: None.

• Enrollment: Employees may enroll the month of hire or during the two following months.

  • To enroll, complete the Mountaineer Flexible Benefits enrollment form and submit directly to WVU Shared Services at SharedServices@mail.wvu.edu.

  • Mt. Flex LTD can only be cancelled during the annual open enrollment period.

  • Additional resources:

    • Mountaineer Flexible Benefits Guide

    • Brief video overview comparing the WVU Group LTD policy and the Mt. Flex LTD policy

    • Policy Number #150596-3-G

Short-Term Disability (STD)

Mt. Flex Short-Term Disability (Mt. Flex STD)

Administrator: Mountaineer Flexible Benefits