Benefits

Benefits from the Teachers’ Long-Term Disability Plan are calculated as a percentage of your gross salary on the last day you received payment from your school board. This amount will be reduced by all or a portion of income you receive from other sources. If you are able to continue to work for a portion of your regular teaching time, the benefit is pro-rated. Benefits received from this Plan are non-taxable.

If you are not receiving income from other sources, the monthly benefit for new claims commencing on or after July 1, 2023 is:

• 50% of monthly earnings not exceeding $4,750; plus
• 40% of monthly earnings in excess of $4,750 but not exceeding $14,040; plus
• 30% of monthly earnings in excess of $14,040.

Applicable Reductions

Your teacher disability benefit will be reduced by all or a portion of any disability or retirement benefits you are eligible to receive from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). You must apply personally for CPP benefits.

Information regarding eligibility for CPP disability benefits and claim forms can be obtained by calling toll-free the CPP at: 1-800-277-9914 or on the Service Canada website. If your claim for CPP disability benefits has been denied, you may be required to appeal or to reapply, especially if your medical condition has deteriorated. It is important that you send a copy of the denial or approval of your CPP disability claim to the Teachers’ Long-Term Disability Plan.

Your monthly teacher disability benefit may also be reduced by other income you earn or receive, such as earnings from employment and payments from insurance companies. If you’re receiving income from other sources, notify our office as soon as possible.

Inflation Protection

Benefits from the Teachers’ Long-Term Disability Plan are indexed annually for inflation. In January, benefits are increased by the lesser of 100 percent of the average Canadian Consumer Price Index or Plan investment earnings above 2.5 percent. The increase is pro-rated if you have been receiving disability benefits for less than six months.

Limitations

Limitations apply to the benefit period for members employed on a temporary or replacement contract.

Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion

No benefits will be paid for a disability resulting from an injury or sickness for which you received medical treatment in the 12-month period prior to the first day you became eligible for coverage, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed.

If you have a pre-existing condition, the above benefit exclusion does not apply if you meet one of the following conditions:

1. You became disabled more than 12 months after the first day you were eligible for coverage under the Plan.
   Note: If you were previously a member of the Teachers’ Long-Term Disability Plan (formerly Income Continuance Plan) and rejoined the Plan after an absence of more than two consecutive years, your first day of eligibility after the absence will be considered your first day of eligibility for coverage.

2. After joining the Plan, you have been actively working in your own job for a period of at least 90 calendar days without receiving “medical treatment” related to the pre-existing condition.
   Medical treatment is defined as:
   • Any consultation with or diagnosis by a physician.
   • Any use of medication or other medical supplies on the advice or at the direction of a licensed medical professional.
   • Any other medical services provided by a physician.

Other Exclusions

Benefits are not provided for a disability resulting from:

• Voluntary participation in a civil disorder.
• War or any act of war, whether declared or not.
• Injuries or sickness contracted during periods of military training of a duration in excess of two months.

Benefits are not paid during periods of incarceration or when a member’s teacher’s certificate is cancelled or suspended.

Termination of Benefits

Disability benefits will end on the date which is the earliest of:

• The date you return to work in your own occupation at your full contract percentage.
• The date you’re no longer disabled as defined under the Plan.
• The date you have resided outside of Canada for 181 consecutive days in any 12-month period.
• The end date of the employment contract for teachers employed on a temporary or replacement contract.
• The last day of the month in which you turn 65 years old.
• The date you begin to receive a retirement pension from the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Retirement Plan, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Superannuation Plan, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Employees’ Pension Plan or the Municipal Employee’s Pension Plan.
• The date that you fail to apply or reapply for Canada Pension Plan disability benefits or other applicable income replacement benefits, when requested to do so by LTD personnel.
• If you are outside of Canada for more than 30 days, the date on which you fail to make arrangements to continue prescribed medical treatment, respond to claims adjudication inquires, or participate in an approved rehabilitation plan.
• The date on which you voluntarily elect to stop receiving benefits.
• The last day of the month in which you die.

Benefits may be terminated if you fail to comply with any request of the Claims Committee.