Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP)
VSDP provides income protection if you cannot work because of a non-work related or work-related disability. VSDP focuses on assisting you with your recovery and helping you make a safe return to your full duties, if you are able to do so.
The replacement income depends on your length of service at the university, but can be 60%, 80% or 100%. Contact Human Resources to see what amount you qualify for prior to going out on a claim.
Contact a Benefits Specialist to discuss opening a VSDP claim. At that time, you will discuss your options and have an account created on the LeavePro Self Service Portal with Alight, the university’s third party administrator.
Alight will manage all new disability claims and existing long term disability claims for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
No, the approval process is between your doctor and Alight, the university’s third party administrator. You will receive an eligibility packet from Alight at your home address with the paperwork necessary for Alight to manage your claim. This packet will include a release of information form to allow Alight to communicate with your doctor about the cause and plan for being absent from work. It is important that your doctor is aware of the importance of communicating with Alight as this will affect your income while you are not working.
There is a seven day (five work day) wait period prior to the start of a claim. Your leave time can be used to cover that time period (i.e. sick leave).
VSDP is a state program that provides the employee income protection and job protection for up to six months and the Family Medical Leave Act provides job protection only, for up to 12 weeks
Often departments are able to work with an employee on restrictions. You doctor would request specific restrictions and then you, your supervisor, and Human Resources will discuss if the restrictions would work in your department. You will also need to confirm your return-to-work date with Alight via the LeavePro Self Service portal.
When your doctor approves you to return-to-work full-time with no restrictions, your claim will be closed. You must provide your supervisor and/or Human Resources a return-to-work note authorized by your doctor.
Human Resources
