See a full list of our most Frequently Asked Questions to help you better understand your benefit needs.
General Questions Dental Insurance Plan Group Short Term Disability Insurance Group Long Term Disability Insurance Group AD&D Insurance Auto & Home Insurance Program Group Term Life Insurance Group Retiree Term Life Insurance Cancer Insurance Plan Purchasing Power Vision Discount
Why purchase from the Voluntary Benefits Plan?
The benefits programs available to you here can help protect your future and your family's future. That is why choosing the right plans is one of the most important decisions you can make to safeguard your personal and professional life.
Who is eligible to apply for benefits?
All dues paying members of the American Postal Workers Union. Some benefits are also available for retirees and immediate family members.
How long will it take to receive my proof of coverage?
In most cases, once we receive your application, you will receive your Certificate of Insurance between 6-8 weeks. Depending on the type of coverage you are requesting, an underwriter may require medical information and financial documents. Doing so in a timely matter will help speed up the process.
Who pays the dentist for services I receive?
If your dentist requires payment when services are rendered, you pay the dentist and submit the bills to our office for reimbursement. Your dentist can also submit bills directly to our office for payment.
If I choose the Optional Orthodontics Coverage, can I receive Orthodontics services for my spouse or myself?
No, this optional coverage applies only to insured dependent children under 19.
As a retired APWU member, am I eligible to enroll in the Dental Plan?
Yes, as long as you remain a dues-paying APWU member.
What is the difference between Short Term and Long Term Disability?
Short Term Disability will pay benefits on the 31st day of a covered disability and benefits are payable up to 12 months. The Long Term Disability plan will pay benefits from the 13th month of a covered disability and benefits are payable to age 65 or until you return to work.
May I apply for only one of the disability or do I have to apply for both?
You may apply for either or both coverages with the same or different benefit amounts up to two-thirds of your basic monthly pay. If you become disabled, and have both disability coverages, you would first collect benefits for Short Term Disability, after your 30 day waiting period. If you were still disabled at the end of the 12th month, you would continue to receive benefits for Long Term Disability.
Are the disability plans Acceptance Guaranteed?
All disability applications go through an underwriting process. Acceptance is based on your answers to the medical questions on your application.
What is the difference between Short Term and Long Term Disability?
Short Term Disability will pay benefits on the 31st day of a covered disability and benefits are payable up to 12 months. Long Term Disability will pay benefits from the 13th month of a covered disability and benefits are payable to age 65 or until you return to work. Benefits are also payable for disabilities that begin between ages 61 and 69. Please view the product kit for full details.
How long does the underwriting process take?
The underwriting process depends on your answers to the medical questions on your application. In some instances, the insurance company may have to ask you or your doctor for additional information, resulting in additional processing time.
What's a Total Disability?
Total Disability refers to a condition where a disability leaves you unable to perform the material duties of your regular occupation for the first 24 months following the 12-month disability waiting period. Once benefits are paid for 24 months, Total Disability is defined as the complete inability to perform the material duties of any gainful job for which you are reasonably fit by training, education, or experience. It's important to note that you do not necessarily have to be hospitalized or confined to your home, but you must be under regular medical supervision to qualify for benefits and must refrain from engaging in any gainful employment.
