Long Term Disability Income rehabilitation program directive

Overview

This directive describes coverage under the Long Term Disability Income Continuance Plan when employees participate in a rehabilitation program. It covers program participation requirements, when expenses may be reimbursed, entitlements to reduced benefits, and over-range protection of salaries.

Program participation

A rehabilitation program approved by the adjudicator may be established with an employee's department and the plan administrator for a specific time period not exceeding 24 months. The program may require that the employee:

• perform the employee's regular work on a part-time basis
• perform other than the employee's regular work duties
• participate in an academic training program
• participate in an on-the-job training program
• participate in a work assessment program

If the employee refuses or wilfully fails to participate and cooperate in a rehabilitation program, the adjudicator may determine whether the employee is eligible to receive or continue to receive benefits.

Reimbursement of expenses

If an employee successfully completes the academic training referred to above and provides receipts, with the adjudicator's approval the employee may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses for books, supplies, and tuition fees incurred as a result of the training, to a maximum amount equivalent to three months of benefits.

Benefit reduction

At the end of the elimination period, if an employee suffers from a disability that prevents the performance of regular duties, but the employee is able to participate in a rehabilitation program, the employee is eligible for benefits.

If an employee is receiving less income under a rehabilitation program than was being received prior to the disability, the bi-weekly benefit amount to which the employee is entitled will be reduced by 50% of the income received from that program. If the combination of reduced benefits and income equal an amount that exceeds the employee's pre-disability salary, benefits will be further reduced so that combined benefits and income do not exceed the pre-disability salary.

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