The MTS Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits Plan is an insurance plan owned and operated by the Manitoba Teachers’ Society. The Plan has been in existence since the mid-1980s under arrangements with an insurance company.

Plan participation is mandatory for all eligible Teacher Associations. (Note, not all Associations have chosen to participate. A list of participating Associations is below) The premiums paid by covered members provide for the cost of any provided services, income replacement, programs, other benefit payments and administration.

Short-Term Disability Benefits Plan

Long-Term Disability Benefits Plan

For general inquiries please call 204-957-5330.

Disability Benefits Plan FAQ

Does my employer have access to my medical information?

The services we provide are confidential. We do not provide medical information to anyone without your consent. We do not provide medical information to your employer unless there is a medical need for accommodation at work and then it is very limited and specific. When planning a return to work, we do talk with your employer about any restrictions or accommodations needed.

How do benefits work?

To be considered for disability benefits, you must be medically unable to perform the essential duties of your pre-disability occupation for a minimum of 80 working days or until the expiration of sick time, whichever is greater. If you do not have 80 days of sick time, then you would need to apply for short-term disability benefits to bridge the gap. If you are not a teacher and do not have STD benefits, then you can explore EI sick benefits.

To be eligible for benefits, a person must be under appropriate care / treatment and must participate fully in an approved rehab plan.

If, 24 months from the start of LTD benefits, you are still unable to work full-time, we assess eligibility for benefits a bit differently. At that time, we would consider you disabled and therefore eligible for benefits, only if you are medically unable to work at any occupation that would earn you 60% of your pre-disability salary.

How much do I get paid when I am on benefits?

Monthly disability benefits (paid on the last banking day of the month), are calculated using a formula, which works out to approximately 80% of the NET monthly income received from your employer.

All income replacement benefits are non taxable. You will not have to declare the income when you file taxes, and you will not receive any T4 type document from the Plan.

What happens to my pension when I am on STD and LTD?

You continue to accrue a pension and your years of pensionable service based on your salary at the time of your injury or illness.

How does my summer pay work when I am on claim?

When your sick pay expires, your summer pay is typically paid out in full by your employer. It’s always best to check with your payroll person or watch your pay stubs.

You accrue summer pay while in receipt of STD and LTD, but at the 80% benefit rate. This is paid in July and August based on how many months you were on claim with us during the school year in equal amounts.

What if I take a maternity or personal leave?

Continue to pay your LTD benefits while on leave so if disability occurs while away then you are eligible on expected return to work date.

Will I still have extended health coverage?

Arrangements can be made through your payroll person to continue coverage. This is strongly recommended.

What about my life insurance and disability insurance?

Any premiums for Life Insurance or Disability Insurance are waived once you are approved for benefits. This means you don’t pay premiums, but coverage remains in place. You can confirm this with your employer as they advise the insurer, with the exception that – if you are approved for STD benefits, you still must pay premiums for LTD until LTD benefits start.