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Disability & Workers’ Compensation

Below is information regarding disability income plans and workers’ compensation.

This program is sponsored by the State of North Carolina and governed by the Department of the State Treasurer. The Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) provides benefits to eligible employees who become continuously unable to perform the duties of their usual occupation due to a mental or physical incapacity while actively employed. The DIP-NC program is provided at no cost to eligible employees. The University pays the full cost for this program.

All permanent full-time employees who work 30 or more hours per week will automatically be enrolled in this program. You are covered under the Short Term Disability plan after one year of membership service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) or participation in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP). You are covered under the Long Term Disability plan after five years of participation in TSERS or the ORP. You can elect supplemental disability benefits from either Lincoln Financial (for TSERS participants) or from The Standard (for ORP participants) to bridge the income gap and to provide additional benefits.

Learn more about Disability Benefits on the University at North Carolina System website.

Short-Term Disability – State Plan

Income benefits are equal to 50 percent of your annual base rate of compensation up to a maximum of $3,000 a month. Short-Term Disability is payable for a period not to exceed 365 days. There is a 60-day waiting period before benefits become payable

For additional information, please refer to the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina Handbook.

Long-Term Disability – State Plan

Income benefits are equal to 65 percent of your annual base rate of compensation up to a maximum of $3,900 a month. If approved, the benefit continues as long as you remain permanently disabled and until you qualify for an unreduced service retirement

For additional information, please refer to the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina Handbook.

This program is sponsored by the University of North Carolina System and administered by Lincoln Financial. The plan provides supplemental disability benefits to eligible employees during the period you are not eligible for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). The plan pays benefits for employees who become continuously unable to perform the duties of their usual occupation due to a mental or physical incapacity while actively employed.

Income benefits are equal to 66 2/3% of your basic monthly earnings, up to a maximum of $10,000 a month. This program will coordinate with other income programs, including the DIP-NC program, once you are eligible for benefits. There is a 90-day waiting period before benefits become payable.

All permanent full-time employees who work 30 or more hours per week and are members of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) are eligible.

Rates are determined by the employee’s annual income and monthly benefit amount. Use the Lincoln Financial Premium Calculator to help you calculate your premiums. For additional information, please refer to the Income Protection Information from the UNC System Office.

This program is sponsored by the University of North Carolina System and administered by The Standard. The Standard plan provides supplemental disability benefits to eligible employees during the period you are not eligible for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). The plan pays benefits for employees who become continuously unable to perform the duties of their usual occupation due to a mental or physical incapacity while actively employed.

Income benefits are equal to 66 2/3% of your basic monthly earnings, up to a maximum of $10,000 a month. This program will coordinate with other income programs, including the DIP-NC program once you are eligible for benefits. Your Optional Retirement Plan contributions, both employer and employee contributions, are also continued while you are disabled and receiving benefits from this plan. There is a 90-day waiting period before benefits become payable.

All permanent full-time employees who work 30 or more hours per week and are participants of the Optional Retirement Program are eligible.

Rates are determined by the employee’s annual income and monthly benefit amount. For additional information, please refer to the Income Protection Information on the University of North Carolina System Human Resources website.

The Workers’ Compensation program provides benefits to any employee who suffers disability through accident or occupational disease arising out of, and in the course of, his or her employment, according to the provisions of the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. This act applies to all University employees, whether full-time, part-time or temporary.