The University of Iowa

03/04/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/05/2026 09:09

New benefit: Voluntary short-term disability insurance now available

If hired on March 1, 2026, or later, you will have the opportunity to enroll as part of your new hire benefits. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following your hire date. Employees hired before March 1, 2026, will be offered an initial enrollment period from March 2 to March 13 with coverage effective April 1.



No, you do not have to enroll during the initial benefit offering, but it is best to do so as medical exams will not be required and health questions will not be asked. If you wait and enroll during a future open enrollment period, a statement of health will be required.



Premiums will paid through payroll deduction.



You can only change your election during open enrollment. A new election or a change in coverage of more than $100 will require a statement of health (evidence of insurability) to be completed. Changes will not be allowed mid-year.Open enrollment changes take effect the following January 1.



The short-term disability benefit does not change how University absence policies are applied.

If you will be absent from work due to illness or injury and have paid time off to cover your absence, you would be expected to use your paid time off, in accordance with university policy. Short-term disability benefits could be used to supplement your earnings if you do not have enough paid time off to cover your full length of absence.

Employees are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate University leave office to determine how their available paid time off (e.g., FMLA, IPPL, Vacation, and Sick Leave) applies to their situation.

University Campus Employee:

  • Faculty and Staff Disability Services (FSDS)
    Phone: 319-335-2660
    Email: [email protected]
    Office: 121-20 University Services Building (USB)

UI Health Care Employee:

  • UI Health Care Leave and Disability Administration (LDA) Office
    Phone: 319-356-2122
    Email: [email protected]
    Office: C-109 GH


Pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications are considered a sickness under the STD plan. STD benefits are payable only for the period during which an employee is medically disabled and unable to work, as certified by a healthcare provider. This is usually six weeks for a vaginal delivery and eight weeks for a cesarean section.



MetLife offers various ways to submit your claim including online, mail, and phone options. You can track the status of your claim on the MetLife US app. Search "MetLife" in the App Store or Google play to download the app.



Depending on the amount of coverage you choose, payment will be made directly to you. Benefits checks are paid weekly. Your weekly benefit will be determined by multiplying the monthly benefit by 12, then dividing by 52.



The STD plan has a maximum benefit period of 13 weeks. This period does not include the elimination (waiting) period. For sickness (including pregnancy), there is a 7-day elimination period, which begins on the first day the employee is medically disabled. STD benefits begin accruing on the day after the elimination period is completed. The 13-week maximum benefit period starts when benefits begin, not on the first day of disability.



The 13-week maximum benefit period is per disability (per injury or illness) - not per year. Each separate disability can pay benefits for up to 13 weeks. If an employee returns to work for 30 days or less and then becomes disabled again due to the same or related condition, it is treated as part of the original disability, and no new benefit period is created.



There are no pre-existing condition limitations.



Yes.

However, if you do not enroll during the initial enrollment period, you will be required to complete a statement of health, which includes medical questions about mental health conditions.



The following are plan exclusions:

A benefit will not be paid for any disability caused or contributed to by:

  • War, whether declared or undeclared, or an act of war, insurrection, rebellion, or terrorist act
  • Active participation in a riot
  • Intentionally self-inflicted injury
  • Attempted suicide
  • Commission of or attempt to commit a felony
  • Any injury or illness for which the employee is eligible to receive benefits under Workers' Compensation or a similar law

A benefit will not be paid for any disability caused or contributed to by elective treatment or procedures such as:

  • Cosmetic surgery or treatment primarily to change appearance
  • Reversal of sterilization
  • Liposuction
  • Visual correction surgery
  • In vitro fertilization, embryo transfer procedure, or artificial insemination.


At the end of the month in which you terminate employment.



The University of Iowa published this content on March 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 05, 2026 at 15:09 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]