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New Short-Term Disability (STD) Options

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New Short-Term Disability (STD) Options

Effective July 1

We are introducing new Short-Term Disability (STD) options for employees enrolled in Long-Term Disability (LTD).
You can enroll or make changes during Open Enrollment.

Eligibility: You must be enrolled in LTD to elect STD coverage. If you are not enrolled in LTD and want to enroll after your Initial Enrollment Period, you may apply for coverage using
The Standard’s online application.
Proof of good health/medical underwriting will be required, and additional documentation may be required.

New Waiting Period Options

During Open Enrollment, you can now choose from the following elimination, or waiting, periods:

See special rules
60 Days
90 Days
Current coverage

Income replacement: Up to 60% of eligible earnings.

Enrollment Timing

Initial Enrollment

New hires or newly benefits-eligible employees may elect any waiting period option.

Effective July 1, 2026 — 30, 60, or 90 days.

Open Enrollment (OE)

Available only if you are already enrolled in LTD.

OE enrollment or changes are effective July 1.

Note: Special rules apply to the 30-day option after July 1, 2026.

Underwriting

New coverage following underwriting is effective on the date indicated on the approval.

Special Rules for Changes to the 30-Day Waiting Period after July 1, 2026

If you change to the 30-day waiting period during a future Open Enrollment, a
365-day Extended Benefit Waiting Period (EBWP) applies for disabilities caused by:

  • Physical illness or disease
  • Pregnancy
  • Mental health conditions

During this 365-day period, a 60-day waiting period will apply instead.

For accident-related disabilities, the 30-day waiting period is effective immediately.

Important Reminder

Before using your STD benefits, you must first exhaust:

  • Sick leave
  • Personal leave
  • Any other salary continuation, excluding vacation

If you are considering updating your coverage, review your options carefully during Open Enrollment to choose the plan that best fits your needs.