Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Disability

Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage is provided and paid for by SDSU Research Foundation for all benefited employees other than research scholars (SE). Although membership is automatic, eligible employees will be asked to complete an enrollment form on which they may name their beneficiary. Employees may designate anyone as their beneficiary and may change their election at any time.

The basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage equals an employee's annual base salary, up to a maximum of $200,000. Amounts are rounded to the next higher $1,000 if they are not even multiples of $1,000. When salary changes are made during the year, the amount of insurance will be adjusted on the effective date of the change. This insurance policy includes a “living benefit” which is also known as an accelerated death benefit. The living benefit is payable when a terminal condition exists which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months. The living benefit payable is equal to 80% of the life insurance amount not to exceed a maximum of $200,000.

When an employee is between the age of 70 – 74, the amount of life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance is reduced to 65% of the amount for which the employee would then be insured if there were no reduction. When an employee is age 75 or older, the amount of life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance is reduced to 50% of the amount for which the employee would then be insured if there were no reduction.

If an employee dies while insured, the full amount of the life insurance policy is payable to the designated beneficiary whatever the cause of death. These benefits are paid to the beneficiary in a single sum unless the employee has changed the mode of payment. To do so, the employee may give written notice to the insurance company.

If you have a life event change (marriage, divorce, birth/adoption of child, death of a spouse), you may wish to review your beneficiary designation and make a change. Beneficiary changes can be made through the SDSURF Benefits Portal.

Disability

Short-Term (State Disability) Insurance and Paid Family Leave

Workers in the state of California are normally required to participate in a short term disability program. The California State Disability Insurance program administered by the Employment Development Department meets this requirement. The program is funded by employee contributions equal to a percentage of pay up to a maximum contribution per year. The cost of the program may vary from year to year. Employees will see a deduction, CASDI, on their pay stubs indicating the contribution made to fund this program. Benefits may be available if an employee has a condition causing “disability,” either physical or mental, that prevents the employee from doing their regular work. Disability also includes elective surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. To apply for State Disability Benefits, a claim must be filed with the Employment Development Department. Benefits are payable after a seven day waiting period. Employees may file a claim through the EDD's website.

Paid family leave is also funded through employee contributions (CASDI). Paid family leave income benefits may be available to you if you need time away from work to care for a family member. For more information on paid family leave please review the EDD's website.

Long-Term Disability

Long Term Disability insurance is provided and paid for by SDSU Research Foundation for Regular employees other than Research Scholars (SE). If a physician certifies your disability, income benefits may be payable after you have been disabled for 3 months. The income you will receive is 60% of your pre–disability salary, up to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month. The income you receive will be reduced by other payments you may be receiving such as California State Disability (SDI), Social Security Disability Income Benefits, or benefits for lost wages under the Workers' Compensation program. Benefit payments will continue to age 65 or until you are no longer disabled, whichever occurs first. For the first 24 months, your disability must prevent you from performing the material and substantial duties of your normal occupation and any other occupation. After the first 24 months, you must be unable to perform any occupation for which you are reasonably qualified by education, training, or experience.

Additional and significant features of this benefit program include the continuation of retirement plan contributions during the disability period, and an annual benefit increase in the income benefit after 36 months of disability.

Value Added Services Provided By The Hartford

Ability Assist Counseling Services (PDF Format 680KB)* (available at no cost with Basic Life or Long Term Disability)

EstateGuidance Will Services (PDF Format 680KB)*(available at no cost with Basic or Supplemental Life)

Travel Assistance and ID Theft Protection Services (PDF Format 734KB)* (available at no cost with Basic Life or Long Term Disability)

Beneficiary Assist Counseling Services (PDF Format, 910KB)* (available at no cost with Basic or Supplemental Life)

Funeral Planning and Concierge Services (PDF Format, 1MB)* (available at no cost with Basic or Supplemental Life)

* Note: Documents in Portable Document format (PDF) require Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 or higher to view. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader