Long-term disability leave applies to faculty and staff who are classified as half-time or more. Participation in the Long-Term Disability benefit program is mandatory under the College's Flexible Benefits program and the College provides employees with enough benefit credits for the cost of LTD. Please note that LTD credits are not prorated for employees who are less than full-time; LTD coverage is provided at 100% of the employee's salary.

Employees suffering from a disability who do not expect to return to work within 6 months of the onset of their disability, may initiate a claim for long-term disability. The determination of an employee's eligibility to receive LTD benefits is made by the College's LTD insurance carrier. For information on the coverage provided by the College's LTD insurance policy, please call the Human Resources Department.

The LTD benefit is paid for with after tax dollars out of the employees earnings, even though the credits for the benefit are provided by the College. Since the benefit is paid for with after tax dollars, the employee will receive benefits (wage replacement) tax free. The benefit provides 60% wage replacement after a 6-month (180 day) elimination period. LTD benefits are offset with amounts received under Social Security or Workers' Compensation for the same time period.

The LTD benefits plan is designed to help eligible employees cope with an illness or injury that results in a long-term absence from employment. LTD provides continuing income for employees who are disabled and unable to work. Employees who are inactive for 15 months may be terminated from employment with Bates College. The details governing the LTD benefits plan including benefit amounts, and limitations and restrictions are described in a Summary Plan Description provided to eligible employees. Contact the Human Resources Department for more information about LTD benefits.