When LTD Begins

Understanding when Long-Term Disability (LTD) kicks in is essential for financial planning during your disability.

The Waiting Period

180-Day Elimination Period

LTD has a 180-day elimination period (also called "waiting period"):

Day 1-180:   Elimination period (no LTD payments)
Day 181:     LTD benefits begin (if approved and eligibility met)

What the 180 Days Means

• You must be continuously disabled for 180 days
• LTD does not pay during this period
• Your sick banks and SDI cover this time
• Day 181 is when LTD payments can start

Counting the Days

Day 1 starts:

• The first day you cannot work due to disability
• Usually the day after your last day worked

Days continue if:

• You remain disabled
• You don't return to work
• Your doctor continues to certify disability

LTD vs. SDI Timing

Overlap and Coordination

How They Work Together

1. Months 1-6: SDI is your primary income (plus sick banks)
2. Month 7+: LTD begins, SDI may continue
3. Offset applies: LTD reduces payment by SDI amount

This is where the offset problem becomes critical.

Qualifying for LTD

Own Occupation Period

For the first 24 months of LTD benefits:

• Disabled means unable to perform your own occupation
• For pilots: unable to fly as a pilot
• Any restriction preventing flight qualifies

Any Occupation Period

After 24 months:

• Disabled means unable to perform any occupation
• More restrictive standard
• Must be unable to do any work you're qualified for

Applying for Hartford LTD

When to Apply

Apply early: Don't wait until day 180

• Apply around day 90-120
• Processing takes time
• Ensures payments start promptly at day 181

How to Apply

1. Contact Hartford directly at 1-888-563-1124
2. Request claim forms
3. Complete employee section
4. Have doctor complete medical section
5. Have FedEx complete employer section
6. Submit and follow up

Required Information

Personal:

• Full name and address
• Social Security Number
• Date of birth
• Contact information

Employment:

• Employee ID
• Hire date
• Job title and description
• Last day worked
• Current salary information

Medical:

• Treating physician information
• Diagnosis and prognosis
• Treatment plan
• Work restrictions

Your LTD Policy Details

Benefit Amount

Hartford LTD pays:

• 66.67% of your pre-disability earnings
• Subject to IRS 401(a)(17) limit ($350,000 for 2026)
• Reduced by other income (SDI, other disability payments)

Maximum Monthly Benefit Calculation:

$350,000 × 66.67% ÷ 12 = $19,446/month (before offsets)

Taxability

Hartford premiums are employer-paid, so:

• LTD benefits are taxable income
• Federal income tax applies
• State income tax may apply

Planning for the Transition

Financial Timeline

Months 1-6:  Sick banks + SDI
Month 7+:    LTD + possibly SDI

Key Considerations

1. Cash flow gap: Ensure you can cover first 180 days
2. First LTD payment: May take additional processing time
3. Offset impact: LTD payment will be reduced by SDI

Documenting for Hartford

Keep records of:

• All SDI payments received
• Sick bank usage
• Any other disability income
• Medical treatment and documentation

Hartford will ask for this information and verify it.

Common LTD Issues

Claim Denied

If Hartford denies your LTD claim:

• Review denial reason carefully
• You have 180 days to appeal
• Gather additional medical evidence
• Consider legal representation

Delayed Approval

If approval takes too long:

• Follow up regularly
• Document all contacts
• Escalate if necessary
• Consider contacting ALPA

Offset Disputes

If you disagree with the administrator's offset calculation:

• Request detailed calculation
• Compare to policy language
• Review comprehensive offset rules
• Use PBRB process if needed

Additional LTD Topics

For complete CBA-based information about LTD benefits:

• LTD Eligibility Triggers - When LTD actually begins
• Benefit Calculation - How benefits are calculated
• Offset Rules - CA SDI, SSDI, and outside income offsets
• Cooperation Requirements - What's required to maintain benefits
• Duration Limits - How long benefits last by condition type
• Company System Access - Your right to access company systems

Next Steps

• How Offset Is Calculated - Understanding the math
• Calculator - Calculate your expected benefits
• Hartford Contact - Hartford phone and details