University of California, Berkeley

Supplemental Disability Information for Staff

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Click on the appropriate item below for more information.

Why Enroll in the Supplemental Disability Plan? 

  1. You need 500+ hours of sick leave and/or vacation leave to cover three months of salary
  2. This benefit replaces up to 70% of your income during a disabling illness or injury.
  3. Cost is nominal for the level of coverage provided.
  4. UC does not participate in California State Disability Insurance.
  5. The maximum UCRP long-term disability benefit is 40% with 12+ years of service credit (minimum eligibility is 5 years of service credit)
  6. The maximum UC-paid Short-Term Disability benefit is only $800 per month for six months.
  7. 30% of workers, aged 35-65, will become disabled for 90+ days.
  8. Half of all mortgage foreclosures result because a homeowner can’t work.

Why Not Enroll in the Supplemental Disability Plan?

  1. You have enough other continuing income—for example, a spouse's or domestic partner's income.
  2. You would elect to retire if you became seriously ill or injured.
  3. Your UCRP basic retirement income is currently 70% or more of your salary; e.g. if you are currently age 58, you would need 32 years of service credit to receive 70% of your salary.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Waiting Period

  • You need 500+ hours of sick leave and/or vacation leave to cover three months of salary
  • If you become disabled, you must use up to 22 days of sick leave, if available (30 calendar days)
  • Most often a 7- or 30-day waiting period is appropriate for staff; however, you must choose the waiting period that best meets your needs.
  • What is the likelihood (or current existence) of chronic or recurring illness? You may want a shorter waiting period. Note: pre-existing condition exclusions may apply for long-term coverage, but will not affect the first 12 months of coverage.
  • You can change to a longer waiting period or cancel coverage at any time. You cannot enroll or shorten your waiting period without submitting a statement of health and receiving carrier approval.

Calculating Supplemental Disability Plan Premiums

You can calculate your own premium using the Disability Insurance Premium Calculator. Be sure to use only your covered compensation amount. This includes your salary plus any stipends. Do not count any additional compensation.

Premiums are based on your age and covered compensation. Rates are adjusted annually on the first of January.

Examples of Supplemental Disability Plan Benefits

Pre-Disability Annual Covered Compensation Pre-Disability Monthly Covered Compensation UC-Paid Short-Term Disability Benefit only, monthly UC-Paid Short-Term plus Supplemental Disability, monthly
$ 50,000 $4,167 $800 $2917
$100,000 $8,334 $800 $5834
$150,000 $12,500 $800 $8750
$200,000 $16,667* $800 $10,000*

*Maximum disability benefit is $10,000/month. Maximum premiums are based on a salary of $14,286 per month.

Additional Resources:

  • Disability Factsheet  (PDF). Your Department Benefits Counselor can also provide you with a hard copy of this factsheet.
  • Liberty Mutual, the disability plan insurance company, will answer questions about the plan at 800-838-4461.
  • If you have additional questions or concerns that are not answered by these materials, please contact the appropriate HR Benefits contact.