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Disability

If you’re unable to work due to an illness or injury that will last more than 10 days, BMO has you covered. Matrix Absence Management administers disability leave plans.

BMO’s Disability Leave benefits, including Short Term and Long Term Disability and Supplemental LTD, provide paid time off when you need to be away from work for an extended period due to an illness or injury.

Here’s a high-level overview of Disability Leave. For details, review the Disability Leave SPD.

Features
Short Term Disability (STD)
  • Replaces 70% to 100% of your total compensation (or applicable Benefits Base Rate for certain commissioned employees) for 100 days, depending on your years of service.
  • Generally, STD benefits become payable after 10 consecutive business days of non-work related disability.
  • The 10-day waiting period prior to STD benefits starting is unpaid unless you want to use available paid sick or vacation time.
Long Term Disability (LTD)
  • Replaces 60% of your pre-disability total compensation (or applicable Benefits Base Rate for certain commissioned employees) as of the last business day before your disability began.
  • LTD benefits begin after 110 consecutive business day of non-work related disability.
Supplemental LTD You can elect to purchase supplemental LTD coverage that will provide you with a total of 75% of your total compensation (or applicable Benefits Base Rate for certain commissioned employees) while you are disabled.
Benefits While on Disability Leave
  • Your benefits coverage will continue during your STD leave and premiums will continue to be deducted from your pay.
  • If your pay doesn’t cover your benefit deductions, your premiums will accumulate in arrears. When you return from leave, your regular deductions will resume and any arrears will be collected at a rate of one additional deduction per pay until your balance is zero.
  • You may be billed directly for missed premiums depending on the amount you owe and expected length of your leave.
  • If you transition to LTD, you may still be eligible to continue your benefits coverage. You will be billed directly for your premiums.
Applying for Disability Leave To initiate a Disability Leave, notify your supervisor then contact Matrix Absence Management to file a claim: You’ll receive an Absence Packet within 24 hours of requesting leave. For details, review How to File a Leave of Absence or Disability Claim.

Pre-existing conditions

Special rules apply to disabilities resulting from an illness or injury that began before your disability coverage takes effect. If you have a disability in your first six months of employment due to a pre-existing condition for which you received medical care three months prior to your coverage effective date, LTD benefits will not be paid for that condition.

Related Links

Matrix Absence Management

Important Forms/Docs

How to File a Leave of Absence or Disability Claim