Making a Short Term Disability Claim

The steps outlined below will help you access The Standard's claims services department.

When should I report a Short-term Disability claim?

Report a claim immediately if you are absent from work due to an accident or as soon as you believe your absence from work may extend beyond seven calendar days due to an illness. You may report a claim up to four weeks in advance of a planned disability absence, such as childbirth or a scheduled surgery.

What number do I call to initiate the claim process?

You may call The Standard's Disability Claim Reporting Service at 888-414-0377 to report a claim.

What are the hours of operation for the Disability Claim Reporting Service?

The Standard's customer service benefits examiners are available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Central Time. If you call outside these hours, you may leave a detailed voicemail message, including your name and phone number, and a customer service representative will call you the following business day during business hours. Please identify yourself as an employee of the University of Minnesota.

When I call to report my claim, what questions will I be asked?

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Employer – University of Minnesota
• Plan Name – Voluntary Short Term Disability
• Group Policy number – 645272
• Name
• Social Security number
• Last day at work
• Nature of claim
• Physician information*
• Department contact information

*The Standard will fax an Attending Physician's Statement to your doctor's office for completion. It is your responsibility to follow up with your doctor to ensure this form is completed and returned to The Standard in a timely manner.

Who is responsible for notifying the University of Minnesota of my absence?

It is your responsibility to follow the normal University of Minnesota absence reporting procedures by notifying your manager or supervisor of your absence. The Standard will notify the University of Minnesota of your intent to file a short-term disability claim.

Will I receive a confirmation from The Standard after I initiate a claim?

After initiating a Short Term Disability claim, The Standard will send you a letter confirming receipt of your claim. In addition, The Standard will include an Authorization to Obtain Information form for you to sign and return.

Where do I send the completed forms?

Completed forms may be mailed to:

Standard Insurance Company
Employee Benefits Division
Consolidated Disability Benefits, C8D
P.O. Box 2800
Portland, OR 97204

Or if you prefer, you may fax completed forms to The Standard at their toll-free fax number — 800-378-6053.

How long does it normally take for a claim decision?

Once The Standard receives all of the required documentation for claim application, it will take approximately one week to make a claim decision. If the decision has not been made within one week, you will be notified with details. 

If my claim for Short Term Disability benefits is approved, how long will it take to receive my first check?

Short-term disability benefit payments are paid in arrears on a weekly basis. In most cases, Short-term disability checks are mailed from The Standard on Wednesday of each week for the previous week of disability. Short-term disability benefit payments that are payable for retroactive claims will be mailed following claim approval. Short-term disability checks will be mailed directly to your residence. 

How much is the Short Term Disability benefit?

Your weekly benefit amount is the monthly disability benefit you elect, multiplied by 12 (months) and divided by 52 (weeks). Your short-term disability benefit is reduced by deductible income.

 Whom should I call with questions about my claim?

For general questions about your claim, please call The Standard's toll-free Disability Benefits number — 888-414-0377.

What assistance is available to help me return to work?

The Standard will contact the University and UReturn about your absence. UReturn is the University-provided, confidential, early intervention program that is designed to support faculty and staff who experience an illness or injury that affects their ability to work. The Standard will not disclose your medical condition to UReturn but will provide them with information to help them assist you with your return to work, such as work restrictions and projected return-to-work dates.

What if I also have Voluntary Long Term Disability?

If you are insured for Voluntary Long Term Disability and you become eligible for Long Term Disability benefits, your claim will automatically be transferred to an LTD analyst who will review it for a continuation of benefits. You will not need to file a separate Long Term Disability claim.

What if I only have Voluntary Long Term Disability?

If you are insured for Voluntary Long Term Disability and you are not insured for Voluntary Short Term Disability you will need to complete the Long Term Disability Benefits Claim form (pdf). You may print the form directly or contact the Employee Benefits Service Center at 612-624-9090 or 800-756-2363, option 2, to have a form mailed to you.