How to File a Virginia Disability Claim

If you were injured at your Virginia job, you may qualify for disability compensation.

Virginia's disability plan is designed to cover qualified employees who can't work due to physical conditions that are expected to be permanent. The Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP) is only available for eligible employees, including salaried state employees, a faculty member at a Virginia college or university and those who elected VDSP when selecting their benefits upon hiring. If you aren't a qualified employee, you can only apply for Social Security Insurance disability, as Virginia offers no basic disability program for employees.

Instructions

1. Notify your work supervisor that you are going to need disability benefits. Depending on your workplace, you may need to file a doctor's report with your supervisor or human resources department.

2. Call 800-652-5602 to speak to Unum. They handle disability claims on behalf of the state of Virginia. If you're too ill or injured to make the call, a family member, friend or a human resources agent can call for you. Call as soon as you're aware that you're going to need disability benefits.

3. Supply your personal information, work information, an explanation of your disability, the date of the last day you were able to work and the name and contact number of your doctor or health care provider. Unum will send you a packet of forms to complete after the call is over.

4. Contact your doctor's office and tell them that they will receive a health care provider's statement from Unum. Ask them to please complete the form and return it to Unum as soon as possible.

5. Complete and return the authorization form that allows Unum to receive information about your medical condition from your doctor.

6. Complete the Short-Term Disability Repayment Agreement. Have it notarized. Complete the VSDP Outside Earned Income Reporting for Short-Term Disability form. Return both forms to your human resources office. You will receive a letter from Unum confirming your benefits.

References

• Virginia Retire: VSDP Handbook