How to File a Disability Claim

What You Should Know

As a CTA member, you can start a disability insurance claim online by following the steps below:

• Log in through the CTA Member Benefits website.
• After logging in, choose File a Claim in the sidebar to go to The Standard's website where you can submit your claim.

During the claim filing process, we may reach out for one or more of these documents. Your text alerts will tell you what forms are still needed and let you know when all the required forms have been received.

• Employee Statement — Your description of why you're unable to work, and physician information.
• Physician's Statement — Asks your physician to provide summary medical information to support why you're unable to work.
• Employer's Statement — Your employer provides information for your claim, including financial, disability insurance coverage information, and relevant dates.

Where do I get the required forms?
CTA-specific forms will be in the claim acknowledgement packet you receive. We'll also send the Employer's Statement to your employer to complete for you. Physician's Statements are also sent to your medical provider(s). (Kaiser members must request that Kaiser complete the forms.) However, you are responsible for making sure we receive the completed forms.

How will I know The Standard received the required forms?
You'll receive status letters from us and if you've signed up for texts, you'll receive periodic text status updates to let you know what information is still needed for your claim. 

How long do I have to submit forms?
You have 45 days once you start the claim application to submit the required claim forms.

What You Should Know

We'll assign an analyst/examiner to review your claim once we receive all the completed required claim forms.

We'll make a decision or let you know we need more time or information for our review within 5-7 business days after receiving the completed claim application.

If we need more information, your analyst/examiner will contact you.

We'll communicate claim decisions in a letter via regular mail. You'll also get a text status alert for an approved claim.

Who should I call with questions?
You can contact your analyst/examiner directly. You can also contact us or call us at 800.522.0406.

What to Expect

• Specific information about your first benefit check and ongoing payments are included in the approval letter.
• Benefits are paid monthly.

When will I get my first check?
We typically pay benefits at the end of the month. Any retroactive benefits are issued immediately.

What are the payment options?
Benefits may be paid by check or electronic funds transfer (EFT). Further details will be in an approval letter.

Is my disability benefit taxable income?
Please refer to the approval letter.

What to Expect

• You'll receive a letter from your analyst/examiner explaining the end of your benefit period.
• If there's a reason to extend your claim, notify your analyst/examiner.
• You're responsible to notify your employer and The Standard of your return to work. You'll also need to make sure your premiums are being deducted correctly.

How do I extend my claim?
You may need to provide additional medical documentation to support a continued disability. Contact your examiner/analyst to ask what you need to do to extend the period of your claim.