Previous Insurance Carrier

Premium Changes

Monthly premiums are based on your age at the time your application is submitted and do not increase over time (except if mandated by the state). If you choose to add coverage in the future, your premiums for the additional amount of coverage will be based on your age at that time.

Guaranteed Renewable

Coverage remains in force up to age 72, as long as premiums are paid. Premiums do not increase as the insured gets older. This is an individual policy which the insured can keep even if he or she changes jobs or retires.

SMART-TD does not make any endorsement or recommendations regarding these benefits. It is the Member’s responsibility to learn about and fully understand the benefits being offered. This program is completely voluntary, and it is solely the Member’s decision to enroll. This page provides information, which can be viewed, related to your Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP). If you have any questions regarding the plan, please call the SMART-TD VLTD Customer Service Center at (224) 770-5328.

• Pre-existing conditions are covered after satisfying policy limitations
• Mental illnesses are covered, duration determined by specific policy limitations
• Alcohol and drug abuse are covered, duration determined by specific policy limitations
• The remainder of total disability benefit will be paid in a lump sum up to 12 months upon the diagnosis of a terminal illness
• Coverage remains in force up to age 72 as long as premiums are paid
• Premiums do not increase as the insured gets older

Please note: These provisions may vary by state.

Sample Policy
Each policy is issued specific to each person, the state that they reside in, and the coverage that they elect. This is a sample policy only and may not reflect all of the provisions in your state.

Voluntary Benefits Change Form

Voluntary Disability Plan EFT Form
For Policyholders that have a Work Status Change (suspension, furlough, retirement, disability, moved to management, leave the union, etc), SMART-TD will not be able to collect your premium through payroll deduction, you must set up a secure Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payments, so that you can maintain your coverage.

To complete the VDP EFT form, you will need your monthly premium amount along with the following banking information:

Your bank routing number – the first set of 9 numbers on the bottom of your checks
Your account number (usually 10-12 digits) – the second set of numbers on the bottom of your check, after the routing number

Please allow up to 3 business days for processing.

Complete your EFT form

NOTE: You can also complete an EFT Form by contacting the SMART-TD VLTD Customer Service Center at (224) 770-5328. A Benefit Advisor will assist you.

How does the Previous Insurance Carrier pay benefits?
They will send you a check.

After I secure coverage, can I increase my benefit amount?
Benefit cannot increase at this time.

Will my premiums increase?
Your premiums are locked at the age your coverage was issued and will not increase as you get older (occasionally, premium changes may be mandated by the state).

Once I’ve enrolled and coverage has taken effect, can I lower coverage at any time?
Yes

Can I lower the duration from 5 year to 2 year?
Yes

How do I lower the duration or amount of my benefit?
Contact the SMART-TD VLTD Customer Service Center to lower your benefit.

Do I continue paying premiums while I am on a disability claim?
Members are required to pay their premiums for the VDP to maintain coverage during the Elimination Period (180 days). You can call the Customer Service Center to arrange payment via ACH. Premiums are waived after the Elimination Period (180 days) with an approved VDP claim.

What happens if I die while I am receiving a monthly disability benefit?
If you die while receiving a monthly disability benefit, the Previous Insurance Carrier will continue the payment of the benefit to your Beneficiary. To qualify for this benefit, Total Disability and the payment of the monthly disability benefit must both have continued for at least 12 consecutive months before your death. Payments under this benefit will terminate on the earlier of: 1) the date that 3 monthly payments have been made to the Beneficiary under this benefit; 2) the date that the maximum disability benefit period ends; or 3) the date that the Beneficiary dies.

What if I elected coverage and I am in the Military?
Any person covered by this policy who is also a Member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, is entitled, upon written request, to have their coverage suspended during a period of active duty as described in the policy. The Previous Insurance Carrier will refund any unearned premiums for the period of such suspension. Upon termination of military service of no longer than five years, the person has the right to renew his or her coverage on the same basis as before suspension of coverage took effect, without restriction as to pre-existing conditions except those applicable on the date coverage was suspended. Such renewal shall take effect on the date military service terminates, subject to written application and payment of the required premium within 60 days after such date.

What happens if I leave my job? Can I continue coverage?
Yes. If you are no longer a dues paying SMART-TD union Member working more than 20 hours per week, you may take your policy with you. To do so, you need to call the SMART-TD VLTD Customer Service Center to set up payments.

Does my rate depend on where I work or where I live?
Your rate is determined by the state you reside in.

Is the Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) available for my spouse?
Only active dues paying SMART-TD Members can enroll, so it is not available to spouses.

What if I have another plan from another company as well as my Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) through the Previous Insurance Carrier? If I filed a claim and was eligible for benefits thru both plans, would my benefit be reduced in any way?
No. Your Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) benefit would not be reduced. The VDP benefit does not offset and pays in addition to all other benefits you receive (SMART-TD VSTD, RRB, FELA Payments, Work Comp, Social Security Disability, etc.)

If I live in Canada can I enroll?
If you reside in Canada, then you are not eligible for this coverage. In order for a Member to be eligible, they must live in the United States.

Does payroll deduction happen once or twice a month? Can I choose?
The payroll deduction happens whenever your union dues come out.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this page is for informational purposes only and makes no guarantee or warranty on the processing of claims. Other limitations may apply. It is recommended that each Member with coverage obtain a copy and read the entire policy. Each policy is issued specific to each person, the state that they reside in, and the coverage that they elect.

Individual Disability Income Insurance is underwritten by the Previous Insurance Carrier.

Previous Insurance Carrier
333 Westchester Avenue
White Plains, NY 10604
(866) 975-4089

Contact the Previous Insurance Carrier to begin the process of filing a claim.

Phone: 866-975-4089 • Fax: 914-367-4114

Disability Benefits Department
PO Box 5453
White Plains, NY 10602-5453

Claims Assistance
If you have questions, need help filing a claim, or have problems getting a claim approved, contact the SMART-TD VLTD Customer Service Center.

Important Notice
IMPORTANT: If you leave the union for any reason or are no longer actively working due to suspension, furlough, retirement, or disability you must contact the SMART-TD VLTD Customer Service Center to set up a secure ACH transfer for payments so that you can maintain coverage.

Please contact the SMART-TD VLTD Customer Service Center at (224) 770-5328 or info@smart-vltd.com if you need to make changes to your benefit election, have questions, or need to discuss payment options due to a change in work status.