All benefits-eligible employees must participate in Bethel's group disability benefits plan, which is effective on the first day of the month following the month in which employment occurs. No medical examination is necessary. Bethel pays the entire cost of the plan as an element in the employee's nontaxable benefits package.
Through this program, pending vendor approval, the participant is provided an income in the event of a disability, lasting from the beginning of the seventh month of total disability until the participant reaches normal retirement age. During the first six months of disability, employees must use the short-term disability leave as provided under Bethel policy.
Beginning with the seventh month of disability, the insurance plan provides a monthly income benefit, including any Social Security, Workers' Compensation, and any disability benefits payable under any retirement or insurance plan for which contributions or payroll deductions are made by Bethel University, equal to 60 percent of the monthly salary to a limit of $5,000 per month. All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of Bethel's group policy.