Often new employees who enroll in Supplemental Disability choose the shortest waiting period (seven days) because they have not yet earned sick days or vacation days that might be used to offset a longer waiting period. Many continue the seven-day waiting period even though they have accrued enough sick leave to cover a longer waiting period. Under any waiting period, the first 22 working days of accrued sick leave must be used up (excluding paid holidays.)

If you have enough accrued sick leave to cover a longer waiting period, you can reduce your monthly premium. The longer the waiting period, the lower the monthly premium. For example, a 35-year-old employee earning $50,000 per year pays $32.08 per month for supplemental disability with a seven-day waiting period and $12.08 per month for a 30-day waiting period. Premiums are based on your age and salary.

You can change to a longer waiting period at any time, but you can only reduce your waiting period if you submit a statement of health application. It must be approved by Liberty Mutual. Make sure you consider your options carefully before you make a change.

Women who plan to use Supplemental Disability coverage for pregnancy disability and child birth should note that, depending on your available sick leave and whether or not your pregnancy/delivery has complications, you may not be "disabled" long enough to receive benefits unless you have a seven-day or 30-day waiting period.