Life Insurance Benefits & Long-Term Disability

Basic Life Benefit Summary
Voluntary Life Benefit Summary

A life insurance/accidental death and dismemberment policy is available for purchase by each employee on a cost-sharing basis with the College. This policy is effective on the first day of the month following 30 days after your date of hire, provided you decide to purchase the coverage.

As a newly hired employee, you are guaranteed the right to purchase life insurance regardless of any health issue or concern. If you choose not to enroll in the life insurance plan as a new hire, you may be required to submit evidence of medical insurability if you subsequently decide to purchase the life insurance. You may or may not be granted access to this policy by the insurance carrier.

In the event of your death as an employee of Berea College, your designated beneficiary will be paid an amount equal to 1 1/2 times your current base salary (rounded to the next higher $1000), up to a maximum of $250,000. Those employees working past age 65 should consult with Human Resources regarding age-related reductions in this policy. For further information on your life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefits, see your insurance plan booklet.

        – Berea College Employee Handbook, Chapter 5 – Insurance & Related Benefits

Long Term Disability Benefit Summary
Berea College LTD American United Life Insurance Company Group Policy

Full time and part time regular employees are eligible to be enrolled in the Long Term Disability Insurance Plan after six (6) full months of employment.  This plan provides a benefit of 60% of salary (inclusive of Social Security or Workmen’s Compen­sation) in the event of total disability. (Partial disability benefits are also available in the event the employee is able to work on a reduced work schedule but cannot work full time.) Claims for disability are filed with the insurance carrier; benefits may commence after six (6) months after the onset of the disability. The full cost of this coverage is paid by the College.

The insurance company underwriting and administering this coverage will be solely responsible for any disability determination or decision. All claims are determined by the insurance company, not Berea College.

        – Berea College Employee Handbook, Chapter 5 – Insurance & Related Benefits

Wakefield Research conducted the Council for Disability Awareness’ survey using an email invitation and online survey between May 28 and June 9, 2014. Participants met the following criteria:
> U.S. residents
> Employed full-time in the private sector
> Between the ages 21 and 68
>Household income of $25,000 or more

Margin of error: +/- 3.1% (95% confidence)

Click the links to see some results of the study.

2014 Disability Awareness Study - Highlights of the Study (PDF)

2014 Disability Awareness Study - Most important vs What to protect (PDF)

2014 Disability Awareness Study - Awareness vs Action - Whats More Likely (PDF)

2014 Disability Awareness Study - First Hand Knowledge Matters (PDF)

2014 Disability Awareness Study - How much does it actually cost (PDF)

2014 Disability Awareness Study - Gender Difference in Perspectives (PDF)