The 30-calendar-day waiting period will begin the day the employee is admitted to the hospital, even if the date falls during the summer months. Since 10, 10.5, and 11 month employees are not working during the summer months (or during a portion of the summer months) these employees will not be eligible for short-term disability (STD) benefits until the first day they report to work after the summer break.

 

Example: Mary is a 10-month (STD eligible) teacher who is also 9-months pregnant. Mary's 10-month teaching contract with the district ended on June 2nd and she is expected to deliver her child on June 15th. Mary delivers her healthy baby on June 15th in a local hospital. On the same day, her 30-day waiting period begins with Cigna. Mary's waiting period ends on July 15th (30 calendar days after June 15th). Mary does not receive compensation from Cigna during the 30-day waiting period because it is the summer and she is not scheduled to work. However, she will be eligible to receive payment for her STD claim effective the first day she is scheduled to work which is August 4th.