The Short-Term Disability (STD) program at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is designed to provide income protection for employees who are unable to continue with their work due to a non-work related illness or injury. RIT short-term disability benefits are split into two categories: state statutory disability benefits, and for regular employees, an RIT-sponsored pay supplement.

If you reside in California, Connecticut, D.C., Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Washington, you may qualify for state disability leave, in addition to the RIT supplement. Regular RIT employees can apply for and receive supplemental benefits during the period they receive the benefit at an 80% rate. RIT can supplement this with available sick days to cover up to 100% of your base pay. If you wish to use sick days for this purpose, please contact fmla@rit.edu.

Employees taking STD and Family Medical Leave (FMLA) will have both leaves run concurrently if they meet the eligibility requirements for both. During the period of STD, employee’s benefits coverage such as medical and dental will continue, provided they pay the required contributions. Your benefits deductions will be taken from your short-term disability benefits pay.

While on an approved disability leave, RIT will hold an employee’s position for six months. If the employee cannot return to work within six months, the department may begin recruitment efforts to fill the position.

To apply for STD, employees are required to contact Prudential either via phone at 877-908-4778 or 844-778-4255/TTY, or by logging into Prudential’s secure website. Be prompt in contacting Prudential to avoid any delay in receiving short-term disability pay.

After 19 weeks on STD, the status of an employee will be reviewed by Prudential for a possible transition to Long-Term Disability. During this period, employees are required to maintain communication with Prudential regarding any extensions, return-to-work updates, or requests.

Before returning to work, Prudential will confirm your ability to return five days before your scheduled date. Any accommodations needed must be reported to Prudential and approved by both RIT and Prudential.

For more information, and to follow the correct procedures, please contact either the FMLA mailbox or the HR Manager at RIT.