VRS Handbook for Members - Virginia Retirement System

6
Virginia
Sickness and Disability Program
(State Employees)
Income Protection for Non-Work Related and Work-Related
Disabilities • Sick, Family and Personal Leave • Short-Term
Disability Coverage • Long-Term Disability Coverage •
Coordination with Other Benefits • How to File a Claim
Income Protection for Non-Work Related
and Work-Related Disabilities
If you are a state employee hired after January 1, 1999, you are covered
automatically under the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP) upon
employment. You are not eligible for VSDP if you are a state employee hired
before January 1, 1999 who retained your eligibility for disability retirement or
an employee of school division or a political subdivision. You are eligible to be
considered for VRS disability retirement if you have a medical condition that
prevents you from performing your job and is likely to be permanent. For more
information, see Chapter 7-Retiring on Disability.
VSDP provides income protection if you can’t work because of a non-work related
or work-related illness, injury or other condition, such as surgery, pregnancy,
complications from pregnancy or a major chronic or catastrophic condition.
VSDP focuses on assisting you with your recovery and helping you make a safe
return to your full duties, if you are able. Benefits include:
• Sick leave
• Family and personal leave
• Income replacement if you can’t work
• Return-to-work, medical rehabilitation and vocational
rehabilitation programs
• Long-term care coverage
You are eligible for sick leave, family and personal leave, work-related disability
coverage and coverage under the VSDP Long-Term Care Plan from the first day
of employment. Eligibility periods for non-work related disability coverage and
certain income replacement levels vary; see “Short-Term Disability Coverage” in
this chapter. For more information about long-term care coverage, see Chapter
8-Long-Term Care Programs.
More Information –
VRS has contracted with Unum
as the third-party administrator
for the Virginia Sickness and
Disability Program (VSDP). If
you have questions about your
coverage, call Unum toll free at
1-800-652-5602 or visit www.
unum.com/claimant. Also refer
to the Virginia Sickness and
Disability Program Handbook
for State Employees available
at www.varetire.org.
33 | CH 6 • VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEM Plan 1