Short and Long Term Disability

The County makes available both Short and Long Term Disability Income benefits. These disability plans can replace part of an employee's income when unable to work due to illness or injury that is not work related.

For conditions that are work related, Pinellas County Risk Management is responsible. Employees should report an injury to the supervisor and call Company Nurse® at (855) 921-9508. For more information, visit Risk's Intranet site.

An employee's absence due to disability will run concurrent with any entitlement under the County's Family and Medical Leave Act Policy (FMLA).

Short Term Disability (STD)

How much will I get paid?

If your claim is approved by The Standard Insurance Company, you will be paid up to 66 2/3% of your base pay rate. For example, if you were earning $15/hour, your would receive $10/hour while on STD.

Who is eligible for Short Term Disability?

Employees (excluding temporary employees) working at least 20 hours per week are eligible.

How much STD am I entitled to?

The maximum benefit period is based on years of service:

• New employees are eligible for 6 weeks of benefits
• For each successive year of service, 5 additional weeks are added
• Maximum benefit of 26 weeks

What steps do I need to take to receive STD benefits?

• Classified employees must be disabled 7 consecutive days
  (Exempt employees do not have a waiting period).
• All accrued extended illness leave must be exhausted. (Extended illness leave accrual ended in 1994 but some long-time employees still have extended illness leave time in their leave bank.)
• Call The Standard Insurance Company toll-free at (855) 290-9479, Monday - Friday between 7 am and 8 pm (Eastern Time).
• The Standard will mail you a letter to confirm receipt of your request and an Authorization to Obtain Information for you to sign and return to them by mail or fax to (866) 751-5174.
• The Standard will fax an Attending Physician's Statement to your physician to complete.
• Advise your supervisor that you are applying for STD and follow your department's procedures for reporting absences from work.
• Eligibility, disability determination and benefits payable are subject to the The Standard Short Term Disability Plan Policy.

What if I need more information?

• See Short Term Disability FAQs or contact Employee Benefits by email or by phone at (727) 464-4570.
  

Long Term Disability (LTD):

How much will I get paid?

 

• LTD can replace up to 60% of income lost due to illness or injury when an employee has been disabled for at least 6 months.

Who is eligible for Long Term Disability coverage?

Employees (excluding temporary employees) working at least 20 hours per week are eligible:

• Classified employees who have completed one year of service but less than 5 years service may purchase this coverage.
• It is provided at no cost to Exempt employees and Classified employees with 5 or more years of service.
  

   

• If you are receiving STD benefits, you do not need to submit a separate application for LTD benefits. Your claim will be transitioned to an LTD claims analyst who will review the information in the STD file and request any additional information needed.
• If you are receiving Workers' Compensation and have been disabled for at least 6 months because of an injury on the job, complete an application through The Standard for LTD benefits.
• Eligibility, disability determination and benefits payable are subject to The Standard Long Term Disability Plan Policy.
  
  

What if I need more information?

• See Long Term Disability FAQs or contact Employee Benefits by email or by phone at (727) 464-4570.

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