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Common Questions: Reporting Absences and Filing Disability Claims

What to Know

It feels good to be prepared. That's why we've developed this guide to help you report an absence or file a short term disability claim.

When should I report an absence?

Contact The Standard if you are absent from work, or know you will be absent from work due to any of the following reasons:

  • Your own serious health condition (including pregnancy)
  • To care for your newborn child
  • The placement of your adopted or foster child
  • To provide care for a qualifying family member with a serious health condition
  • To care for a covered service member injured in the line of duty
  • For qualifying military exigency, allowing family members to take leave to prepare for or deal with issues that arise as a result of a family member being called to serve in the military
  • For leave due to your own military service

For other absences, please ask your employer about the reporting procedure and notify your department head or manager.

Who is responsible for notifying my employer of my absence?

It is your responsibility to follow your employer's normal absence reporting procedures and notify your department head or manager of your absence.

Will I receive any notification after I initiate a leave or claim?

After initiating a request for time off and/or filing a Short Term Disability claim, The Standard will send you a letter confirming receipt of your leave request. If you are filing for an STD claim, The Standard will attempt to fax an Attending Physician's Statement to your physician to complete; an Authorization to Obtain Information will be mailed to you to sign and return. If you called to request a leave but did not initiate an STD claim, you will receive a Certification of Health Care Provider form. These forms should be returned to The Standard by the due date indicated in your letter.

Where do I send the completed forms?

If you are required to submit paperwork, please send the completed forms to:

Not in New York
Standard Insurance Company
Employee Benefits Division
PO Box 3877
Portland OR 97208
Or you may fax completed forms to 866.751.5174.

In New York
The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York
P.O. Box 4160
Portland, OR 97208
Or you may fax completed forms to our office at 866.752.4037.

How long does it normally take for an STD claim decision?

It will take approximately one week to make a claim decision (once your completed claim application and all necessary documentation are received). If we have not made a decision within one week, you will be notified as to why.

If my claim for benefits is approved, how long will it take to receive my first check?

After the Benefit Waiting Period as outlined in your group policy is served, STD benefit payments are paid in arrears on a weekly basis. In most cases, checks are mailed on Wednesday of each week. STD benefit payments that are payable for retroactive claims will be mailed following claim approval. STD checks will be mailed directly to your residence.

How do I report an intermittent absence?

Once you log in, use Absence Claims. Find and select your open intermittent leave claim. Choose Add Time and provide the requested information. Then Save.

Don't forget to notify your manager and follow your employer's normal absence reporting process.

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