Salary Indemnity Plan (SIP)—Long-term
Frequently asked questions
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The Salary Indemnity Plan is not insured by an insurance company regulated under the Financial Institutions Act. The BCTF is exempt from the regulatory requirements of the Financial Institutions Act.
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Included for your information are some basic responses
to frequently asked questions regarding the long-term portion of the Salary
Indemnity Plan. If your question is not answered, please contact the Income
Security Division of the BCTF at 604-871-1921, or 1-800-663-9163 extension 1921.
Am I eligible to receive SIP long-term disability
(LTD) benefits?
BCTF members employed on a regular full-time or
part-time contract, who become disabled through injury or illness, shall be
eligible for benefits immediately following the termination of sick leave and
SIP short-term benefits, when no fewer than 120 days of benefits have been paid
for that claim.
BCTF employees participating in the Plan pursuant to Regulation
1.1(b), and who become disabled through injury or illness, shall be eligible
for benefits, or as set out in a collective agreement with the Federation,
immediately following the termination of sick leave benefits.
You have my claim; how long do I wait for a decision? What is the LTD claim
process?
If they have the necessary information, Canada Life
(CL) often turns around a decision within a few weeks. However, it is not
unusual for CL to require further medical information, or a clarification on
the medical information submitted, as part of the application. If this is the
case, members are notified by CL. It is likely CL will telephone a member for
an interview prior to the decision. Once a decision has been reached, the
member is contacted by telephone with a follow-up letter.
How much do I receive in LTD benefits?
LTD benefits are 65% of the salary of the first $40,000, 50% of the next
$40,000, and 40% of the remainder of your gross salary, as reported to
us by your employer. The benefit is non-taxable. In addition, the
member does not pay, but receives credit for having paid, their pension, as
well as local and BCTF fees.
Do I have to attend assessments arranged by CL?
Yes, plan members must attend medical or vocational
assessments requested or approved by CL or the SIP Administrator. These
assessments assist CL to determine how to manage your claim, return-to-work
process, ability to perform gainful employment, etc.
How do I dispute CL’s decision to deny/terminate my
claim?
In the event a claimant disputes the decision of the
external agency and/or the Plan Administrator regarding the medical
acceptability of a claim, the dispute shall be finally and conclusively
determined by a Medical Review Committee. The Medical Review Committee shall be
composed of three physicians: one designated by the claimant, one by the Income
Security Committee, and a third agreed to by the first two. The third physician
shall act as a chairperson of the committee.
September 2020