life events

Disability

Whether your disability is temporary or long-term, it is a reason to explore the benefits available to you through Carpenters Trusts, through your spouse's plan, if applicable, and even the Social Security Administration. It will help you figure out a plan that suits your needs as well as your budget.

Checklist

  1. Review your Time Loss benefits. A benefit is available to you (the participant only) if you suffer a nonoccupational illness or injury. If you qualify, the weekly benefit is based on the benefit package you work under. (More information.) Time loss benefits are not available under Retiree Coverage.
  2. Consider Self-Contribution Coverage. When Dollar-Bank Eligibility runs out, Self-Contribution Coverage is available to qualified participants. Coverage is available for a six-month period but can be renewed (subject to Board of Trustees approval) for an additional six-month period if you continue satisfying the requirements.
  3. Consider COBRA Coverage. You may elect COBRA once Self-Contribution Coverage terminates, but the total Self-Contribution Coverage and COBRA Coverage may not exceed 18 months, or 36 months in the case of a qualified beneficiary (spouse or dependent child) who has a second qualifying event. (Learn more)
  4. Review the rules for Disability Retirement. If you are totally and permanently disabled, you might qualify for disability retirement under the Carpenters Retirement Plan and Carpenters Individual Account Pension Plan.

Other Considerations

  • Social Security Benefits – The Social Security Administration's disability insurance program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. A second program, supplemental security income, provides cash assistance to disabled persons with little or no income to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation – You will have to decide, perhaps with the help of your healthcare provider, when and whether it is feasible for you to return to your current job or to find other work instead. Vocational rehabilitation can help you greatly in quickly returning to work. The Ticket to Work program from the Social Security Administration provides free job support for disabled people who want to work. The program is offered through state agencies, which you can locate on the Social Security website. Services may include job coaching, job counseling, training, benefits counseling and job placement. (Learn more.)