Open enrollment for the new SMART Transportation Division Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) is underway. Enrollment started in May and runs through Nov. 30, 2019. All dues-paying members of SMART TD living in the United States and working at least 20 hours per week can apply for coverage. Members can enroll online by visiting www.smart-vltd.com, contacting a local field supervisor or by calling the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.
Since May 2019, SMART TD members have had a new disability benefit available to them. Enrollment for the new Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) ends November 30, 2019. Members can apply for coverage if they are a dues-paying member of SMART TD living in the United States and working at least 20 hours per week.
Previously, SMART TD members had long-term disability insurance available to them through MetLife, but the MetLife plan ended April 1, 2019. The new plan is underwritten by Amalgamated Life Insurance Company. Members who were enrolled in the previous MetLife plan are guaranteed approved for a monthly benefit of up to $1,000 per month (2 or 5 years' duration).
“Applying for the new Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) is easy, because Amalgamated Life Insurance Company uses simplified medical underwriting,” stated Carl Galdine, the VDP enrollment director. “With simplified underwriting, there is no medical exam, only a few medical questions on the application.”
Enrollment packets including a letter, a summary of benefits, and information on how to enroll were mailed to SMART TD members in May and June. Members can enroll online by visiting www.smart-vltd.com, contacting a local field supervisor or by calling the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328 and speaking with a benefit specialist.
Below are highlights of the new Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP):
- Members can choose between a 2- or 5-year option
- Members can enroll in a monthly benefit ranging from $300 to $5,000 ($100 benefit increments) (monthly benefit may not exceed 60% of gross earnings)
- Previous MetLife participants are guaranteed approved for a monthly benefit of up to $1,000
- Benefit does not offset and pays in addition to all other benefits
- Benefit starts paying after 180 days (6 months)
- Pre-existing conditions are covered after 12 months on the plan
- Benefit covers members on and off the job (24-hour coverage)
- Benefit is not subject to repayment upon receipt of a FELA or personal injury settlement
- Members can retain coverage even if they are furloughed or suspended (portable)
“This new plan was designed to work well with the benefits that SMART TD members already have available to them,” Galdine said. “It stacks on top of all other benefits including the Voluntary Short-Term Disability Plan and RRB benefits. Also, this plan starts after a 6-month waiting period when RRB Sickness Benefits typically end.”
Open enrollment ends Nov. 30, 2019.
For more information or to enroll, contact your local field supervisor, visit www.smart-vltd.com or call the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.
SMART''S
Discipline Income Protection Program:
It Pays!
What benefits are paid?
Who sponsors the program? SMART sponsors the Discipline Income Protection Program.
Who is eligible for coverage?
How do I join?
Discipline Income Protection Program
SMART Transportation Division
24950 Country Club Blvd., Ste. 340
North Olmsted, Ohio 44070-5333
More information?
If you would like more information about the SMART Discipline Income Protection Program, send requests to the email address below:
Benefits schedule: If you would like to view the Discipline Income Protection Program’s schedule of benefits, click on the link below:
Schedule of maximum benefits
Discipline Income Protection Plan summary plan description
DIPP Summary of Material Modifications
This is only a brief description of the Discipline Income Protection Program. The program is governed only by the terms of the official plan document. If there is any conflict between this description and the official plan document or between the official plan document and any statement by any person (including a SMART employee or representative), the plan document will govern.
Application: To download an application or claim form for the Discipline Income Protection Program, click on the links below:
SMART Transportation Division Discipline Income Protection Program application
SMART Transportation Division Discipline Income Protection Program claim form
SMART Transportation Division Discipline Income Protection Program authorization for automatic transfers
Around SMART
Legislative News
Charles Luna (1906 – 1 October 1992) was president of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen (BRT) from 1963 until 1969. He became the first president of the United Transportation Union, when that organization was formed by merging the BRT and three other railroad unions in 1969.
Luna became president of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen in 1963. On 1 January 1969 the BRT merged with three other unions to form the United Transportation Union. Luna became president of the combined union, with 230,000 members.In 1969 Luna was elected chairman of the Congress of Railway Unions.
In 1971 the UTU Insurance Association assumed the insurance and welfare plans of the brotherhoods who had formed the UTU. The UTU held its first national convention in August 1971 in Miami Beach. Al Chesser, National Legislative Director of the UTU, was elected to succeed Luna, who was retiring.
In 1970 Luna was chosen by President Richard Nixon to help form the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. This set up the Amtrak inter-city passenger service. Luna served as an Amtrak director for twenty years.
Amtrak’s highest safety honor is the Charles Luna Memorial Safety award, which has been presented annually since 1990.
Jeri Sopanen (14 August 1929 - 21 September 2008) was a Finnish-born American filmmaker who created movies, television series and commercials. He was five times nominated for an Emmy Award Prize and received the award once, a children's program called "The Rotten Truth".
Sopanen graduated from high school in Helsinki, studied composition at the Sibelius Academy in 1951 and received a Fulbright scholarship to the University of Lawrence United States. There he was inspired by the film and the film began studies at UCLA in Los Angeles.
Sopanen worked on "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau" and made "Gardens of the World" with Audrey Hepburn.. He also served as cameraman for the Louis Malle film "My Dinner with Andre."
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2K. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
COMPLAINT FORMS
After you fill out the form on your computer, save it and then attach it to an email to your Local Legislative Representative or the State Legislative Board.
Rail/Bus Forms
SMART - Legislative Action Center
Our Legislative Action Center enables members to learn about issues and legislation that directly impact their jobs and livelihoods and provides them easy access to contact their representatives to let them know their views.
Members can also see how their representatives voted on legislation, learn about upcoming elections in their state and even write a letter to the editor of their local newspaper.