Who is eligible?

All Federal Employees who: a) are under age 60 b) reside in the United States c) are Actively-At-Work on a full-time basis (at least 17.5 hours per week) and d) are not on active duty in any branch of the Military or Armed Forces of any country. Newly hired full-time Federal Employees within 45 days of their hire date, who work at least 17.5 hours per week, are eligible for Wright USA's Guaranteed Disability Income Insurance Protection Plan (benefits are subject to the policy's pre-existing condition limitation).

How much coverage can I apply for?

You can collect up to a maximum of 65% of your Basic Monthly Insured Salary(up to a maximum salary of $166,000 per year). For example, if your Basic Monthly Insured Salary is $10,000, you could apply for coverage of up to $6,500 per month in benefits. Benefits are paid to a maximum of $8,992 per month.

What is the application approval process like?

For new Federal Employees who apply within 45 days of their hire date, there is none. They are guaranteed acceptance (benefits are subject to the policy's pre-existing condition limitation) and simply enroll for coverage. For all other Federal employees, there is some medical underwriting.

When does plan become effective?

Coverage will begin the first day of the month following receipt and approval of your application, subject to payment of premium and subject to the deferred effective date. Deferred Effective Date: If you are to become: a) covered under the Policy, and b) are not Actively-at-Work on that date, you will not be so covered until the first day of the month or on the next following the date you are Actively-at-work.

When do benefits begin?

There is a 60 day waiting period for this coverage after which benefits can begin.

Are my plan benefits taxable?

Unlike FERS and SSDI benefits which may be taxable in part, Wright USA’s Disability Income Protection Plan benefits are not taxable. Please consult your personal tax advisor for further information.

Is this considered short or long-term disability insurance?

Both. This coverage is available to you on a short-term basis (after the required 60 day waiting period), and, after that, on a long-term basis until age 62. Further details are provided in the two FAQs immediately below.

What if my disability last 60 days or more?

FERS and SSDI may not pay for covered disabilities lasting at least 60 days to 12 months, Wright USA’s Disability Income Protection Plan helps fill the gap by paying benefits for all covered disabilities lasting 60 days or until you reach age 62.

What about when I go back to work? Are there any benefits payable as I re-enter the workforce?

Yes. For 3 months after you return to work, Wright USA’s Disability Income Protection Plan pays reduced benefits to help ease your transition back to work. 75% of the monthly benefit is paid your first month back to work. 50% is paid the second month, and 25% the third month.

What happens if I die while I am disabled?

Wright USA’s plan provides additional benefits to your beneficiary in the event of your death while you are Totally Disabled under this plan.