Payroll deductions for SMART-TD Voluntary Long-Term Disability will stop on December 31st
Monthly SMART-TD VILP payments will no longer be taken from Members’ paychecks. Going forward, Members must set up their monthly SMART-TD VILP payments through secure ACH transfers from their personal bank accounts.
Members currently enrolled in SMART-TD Voluntary Long-Term Disability have already earned and satisfied their pre-existing condition protection—meaning their current medical conditions would not be subject to a pre-existing condition limitation under their existing coverage. Coverage will end unless Members set up their ACH. If coverage terminates, reinstatement is not guaranteed. Members would be required to wait until the next Open Enrollment period and then satisfy a new 12-month pre-existing condition limitation.
Setting up ACH provides greater privacy, more control over payments, and ensures coverage stays active even if a Member’s working status with SMART-TD changes. This stability is especially important for Members awaiting outcomes from FELA or Workers’ Compensation cases. Completing this update is required to continue coverage.
If you have any questions or need assistance setting up your ACH, call 224-770-5328.
SMART-TD Voluntary Income and Life Protection (VILP) Program
Key features and benefits
As a full dues-paying Member of SMART-TD, you have exclusive access to these fantastic offerings. Our aim? To provide you with the very best income replacement options available to Rail and Bus workers.
What’s more, our plans are supported by Sun Life, ensuring a comprehensive coverage you can rely on.
Voluntary GAP Short-Term Disability (STD)
- Up to $550 a week.
- Stacks with current SMART-TD VSTD benefits.
- 21-day waiting period.
- Benefits are tax-free.
Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD)
- Enjoy a seamless enrollment process with up to $5,000 in disability coverage, no medical tests required.
- Get coverage 24/7 for all covered injuries, illnesses, and surgeries.
- Tax-free benefits available for up to five years, offering financial support during prolonged disability periods.
- Pre-existing conditions? They’re covered after one year of uninterrupted coverage.
Voluntary Group Life (VLIFE)
- Get up to $250,000 in Life Insurance coverage for Members, $50,000 for Spouses and $10,000 for Dependents under 26.
- Life benefit doubles for accidental deaths.
- No medical tests or questions.
- Coverage is 24/7 on and off the job.
The New SMART-TD Voluntary Income and Life Protection (VILP) Program!
This program introduces a new Voluntary Gap Short-Term Disability Insurance Plan. It is designed to enhance and work alongside the existing SMART-TD Voluntary Short-Term Disability (VSTD) coverage. By stacking with the current benefits, this new plan offers expanded income protection for members who are unable to work due to injury, illness, or surgery.
In addition to this new coverage, members will continue to have access to Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) and Voluntary Life Insurance (VLIFE). Together, these three benefits form the SMART-TD VILP Program, providing a comprehensive package of financial protection tailored to the unique needs of SMART-TD members.
The SMART-TD VILP Program is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening the financial security of our members and their families.
Bus Members
Rail Members
American Journey Financial Life (AJFL)
In addition to our STD, VLTD and VLIFE offerings, enhance your protection with the American Journey Financial Life (AJFL). AJFL adds a layer of security with Cancer Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Accident Indemnity Insurance.
Take advantage of this opportunity to safeguard your financial future with our VLTD and VLIFE plans. We’re here to back you up throughout your career journey.
Important Information
IMPORTANT: The monthly cost for coverage is based on your age at the start of the coverage and will increase on the policy anniversary date after you move into a new age bracket.
Participation in this program is voluntary, and the decision to enroll rests solely with the Members. Members are responsible for bearing all associated costs. A $3 technology fee is included in all listed monthly costs for the following coverages: Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability. A $2 technology fee is included in all listed monthly costs for the following coverages: Member Life and Spouse Life.
IMPORTANT: If you depart from SMART-TD, opt out of paying dues, or retire, you must notify the Customer Service Center at (224) 770-5328. Not doing so within 90 days could delay or negate your eligibility for a refund.
We encourage Members to thoroughly review the complete policy booklet. Email info@smart-vilp.com to request a copy.
This voluntary benefit plan is classified as a Safe Harbor plan and, as such, is not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). SMART-TD does not contribute to the premiums for this plan on behalf of its Members, does not endorse the plan, and does not require Members to enroll in the plan. Furthermore, the Union receives no financial or other consideration in connection with the administration or promotion of this program.
For STD & LTD: These policies provide disability income insurance only and do NOT provide basic hospital, basic medical, or major medical insurance.
For Life: You have 31 days to notify the Customer Service Center of your retirement if you wish to convert your Life Insurance.
Group Insurance coverages are issued by Sun Life Financial. Sun Life Financial and the globe symbol are registered trade-marks. All rights reserved.
