NEA^® Income Protection Insurance Plan

Continue getting paid if you are too sick or injured to work

In partnership with

overview

Get paid, even while you’re out sick

The NEA Income Protection Insurance Plan provides monthly income to members who are too sick or injured to work, including during pregnancy when there is doctor-ordered bed rest or medical leave. This insurance can help you avoid having to dip into your retirement savings or take out a home equity loan in order to cover your necessities while you’re on the mend.

Receive up to two-thirds of your regular salary up to a maximum of $6,000
Decide when your benefits should begin (on the 8th, 15th, 31st or 91st day of a disability) and pay rates that vary accordingly
Choose short-term disability up to a maximum of 2 years, or long-term disability up to age 65
Your NEA dues and premiums are paid if you have a disability lasting six months or more

how it helps

Help protect yourself with flexible plan options

Coverage that fits your budget

Your premiums are based on what you want your monthly payments to be and when you want to start receiving them. Choose your monthly benefit in $100 increments, up to two-thirds of your regular monthly salary (or $6,000).

Easy to collect

Receive payments directly, potentially tax-free.* (Consult your tax adviser for more details.) These payments can be used to cover your mortgage or rent payments, monthly bills, groceries and more to help protect your family and your lifestyle.

Customized for you

Your NEA dues and insurance premiums are protected. If you’re on an NEA-supported strike for over 60 days or totally disabled for 6 months, your dues will be paid and premiums waived.

How It Works

How to protect your paycheck when you can’t work

Calculate your coverage

Choose your monthly benefit amount—up to two-thirds of your regular salary (or $6,000).
Choose when your payouts begin: on the 8th, 15th, 31st or 91st day of disability.
Choose Short-Term Disability (STD) or Long-Term Disability (LTD) protection—up to a maximum of two years for short-term coverage and to age 65 for long-term disability.
No health questions required.
Calculate your costs with this Disability Benefits Calculator.

Enroll online or by mail

Make sure you’re logged in to your NEA Member Benefits account.
Click "Enroll Now" to fill out an online application, or click “Print an Application” to fill out and send by mail.

NEA Income Protection Insurance Plan experts are available to answer any questions you may have at 1-888-461-1612.

Learn more about the NEA Income Protection Insurance Plan

Brochure (.pdf, 1.2M)
Rates (.pdf, 68K)
The NEA Member Guide to Help Protect Your Family’s Future

American Fidelity Assurance Company has been a longtime partner of NEA Member Benefits, underwriting the NEA Income Protection Insurance Plan since 1976.

American Fidelity has specialized in the education, auto, healthcare and municipality industries since 1969.

Learn more about how we select our partners

FAQs

Your questions, answered

When is my coverage effective?

If coverage is approved, it will begin on the first of the month following when the premium is received and the certificate is issued. Disability coverage is not effective at time of application.

What’s the difference between Short-Term Disability Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance?

Short-Term Disability covers disabilities that last up to 2 years (unless AZ or KS; 180-day benefit period). No benefits will be paid after 2 years of claim.

Long-Term Disability covers disability up to age 65. Benefit duration will reduce as insured reaches age 60 and older (except for conditions that are limited such as: Mental and Nervous, Special Conditions, etc.).

Does this policy cover pregnancy?

Yes. If the diagnosis of the pregnancy is after the effective date of coverage, the pregnancy will be covered. A vaginal delivery will result in the insured being eligible for up to 6 weeks of disability, less the elimination period. (For example: if an individual had a 7-day elimination period, there would be 5 weeks of disability for this claim.) For a C-section delivery, the insured will be covered for up to 8 weeks of disability, less the elimination period. Any complications which extend beyond the standard 6 to 8 weeks beyond delivery will be reviewed and payable as any other Sickness or Injury, as defined by the contract.

How often will I receive benefits?

Once a claim is filed and approved, benefits are paid on a monthly basis.

Where can I find a claim form?

Claim forms can be found in PDF format at https://americanfidelity.com/forms

How do I pay my premiums?

Premiums can be paid via electronic fund transfer. You can pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.

How do pre-existing limitations apply to the NEA Income Protection Insurance Plan?

No benefit will be payable if disability is caused by or resulting from a pre-existing condition and begins before the insured has been continuously covered under the policy for 24 months.

This provision will not apply if the insured has gone treatment free, incurred no expense, taken no medications, and received no diagnosis or advice from a physician for 12 consecutive months for such conditions.

Does Long Term Disability Insurance conflict with my medical/hospitalization policy?

No. The purpose of your medical insurance is to pay for medical bills, but the cost of living still has to be absorbed by you at a time when you are disabled and unable to work. This is the reason behind the NEA Income Protection Insurance Plan—to help continue the lifestyle to which your family has grown accustomed.

Can my coverage be canceled?

No, not as long as you remain eligible for coverage according to the policy, your premium is paid, and the Master Policy remains in force.

How much disability income insurance do I need?

The answer depends upon individual circumstances. Compare your take-home pay with what any other sources of income you have would pay. Then decide how much income you need to meet your financial obligations.

What about disability benefits from Social Security?

Qualifying for benefits and the appeal process can be difficult and lengthy. If American Fidelity Assurance Company determines you are a likely candidate for Social Security disability benefits, then they can assist you with the application and appeal process. Social Security disability income benefits you receive will reduce your disability income benefit paid by this plan.

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NEA^® Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Plan

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* Benefits may be tax-free when premiums are paid with after-tax dollars. Consult your tax adviser for details.

Disability Income Insurance underwritten by American Fidelity Assurance Company.

ESB-4570-0222

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NEA^® Income Protection Insurance Plan

Continue getting paid if you are too sick or injured to work

Get paid, even while you’re out sick