You are considered to be disabled on the date that you meet the definition of disability as outlined in your policy. Your medical records and information from your physician will help determine that date. Common illnesses and conditions that may lead to disability include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Cancer
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Surgery

Excluded disabilities can vary by policy, but typically include:

• Intentionally self-inflicted injuries
• Active participation in a riot
• Loss of professional or occupational license or certificate
• Commission of a crime for which the individual has been convicted
• For short term disability: occupational sickness or injury (however, Unum will cover disabilities due to occupational sicknesses or injuries for partners or sole proprietors who cannot be covered by workers' compensation plans)
• Pre-existing conditions (if applicable)
• War, declared or undeclared, or any act of war
• Any period of disability during which you are incarcerated

You should submit your disability claim as soon as possible to ensure a claim decision is made in a timely manner.

Your "gross benefit amount" is the amount you signed up for at enrollment for your policy. It may be subject to offsets from other sources of income you also receive. Depending on how the coverage is paid for, it may also be subject to state and federal taxes. Benefit payments will be prorated to a daily benefit based on the benefit amount you chose.

Payments begin once you meet the eligibility requires of the coverage, the definition of disability, and the elimination period (also known as the "waiting period").

The length of time you can receive benefits depends on your policy. Some Long Term Disability Insurance plans will pay benefits until you turn 67. Some Short Term Disability Insurance plans will provide coverage for less than one month. You must remain disabled under the terms of your policy to keep receiving benefits during these time periods. However, you may be eligible for a portion of your benefits as you return to work.

When you are ready to return to work, please contact your claims specialist, who will work with you on your return-to-work plan.

Most plans allow for recurrent disability. If you become disabled again due to the same condition within a specified number of days, the recurrent provision allows continued disability payments under the original claim.

The number of days for the recurrent provision is stated in your policy. If you become disabled after the number of days in the recurrent provision, or due to a new medical condition, you will need to file a new claim.

Depending on the definition of disability as defined in the policy, you may be able to receive benefits and work part-time.

Most policies will allow you to work part-time while on claim; however, typically, you will need to have a certain percentage of your earnings lost to disability for a claim to remain active.

The cancellation of the policy or termination from employment does not affect a payable claim. If you are on claim and the policy is cancelled or you lose your job, a claim will be paid to the same duration it would have been had either event not occurred. Otherwise, when the coverage ends or you end employment, your coverage will terminate unless your policy has a continuation provision and you meet those requirements.