Employee benefits

For employees covered for Group Life, Disability or Dental at work.

Group Life insurance

How do I . . .

Find the current interest rate on a Sun Life Financial Benefit Account (SLFBA)?

Interest on SLFBA assets is compounded daily at an annual rate of 0.25% and is credited once a month. The rate is not guaranteed and is subject to change.

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How do I submit a group life claim?

Download and complete either the Group Death Claim Packet (for all death claims) or the Group Life Benefits Claim Packet - Employee (for all Waiver of Premium, Accelerated Benefit, Accidental Dismemberment or Permanent Total Disability claims). Be sure to include all required documentation with your claim submission. Required documentation may include a death certificate (for death claims) and/or the insured's original insurance enrollment form (available from the insured's employer).

 

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Get the status of my claim?

Call 800-247-6875 and follow the prompts for automated service to track the status of your Life claim.

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What is Waiver of Premium?

Waiver of Premium is a provision that continues your Group Life premium payments if you become totally disabled.

If you become totally disabled and your Waiver of Premium claim is approved by Sun Life, we will continue your Life insurance coverage without further payments from you or your employer. To be eligible for Waiver of Premium, you must be totally disabled before you retire or reach the maximum age. Please check with your employer for the maximum age.

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How do I file a Waiver of Premium claim?

You, your employer and your attending physician must complete and submit the following forms:

Notice of waiver claim must be submitted within 12 months of your last date actively at work and proof of claim must be submitted within 15 months of your last date actively at work. In order to be eligible for waiver, you must be Totally Disabled before you retire or reach the maximum age. Please check with your employer for the maximum age.

Mail to:
Sun Life
Group Life Claims
One Sun Life Executive Park
P.O. Box 81100
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

 

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How do I change the beneficiary on my policy?

You can update your beneficiary designations online by logging in to your benefits portal.

You can also download and complete the Beneficiary Designation Form and submit it to your employer for processing. (Your employer's Human Resources department keeps a record of your designation.)

If you are on Waiver of Premium, you must mail or fax the Beneficiary Designation Form directly to Sun Life at:

Mail to:
Sun Life
Group Life Department
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

Fax to: 781-446-1517

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Can I continue my life insurance coverage if I retire or leave my job?

Yes. If you opt to convert, you will be responsible for paying the Life premium. The cost of conversion coverage is different than your group coverage.

What's needed:

  1. Your employer must download and complete the Notice of Group Life Conversion
  2. Call our Client Services at 800-247-6875. Tell us you want a Group Life Conversion application. We will ask you for the following information so we can send you the Group Life Conversion package containing the application, forms and your illustration.
    • Termination date or date benefits were reduced
    • Date you received the Notice of Group Life Conversion form from your employer
    • Your Group Policy number
    • Your name, address, and date of birth
    • Your Social Security number
    • The name and address of your employer
    • The amount of Group Life coverage terminated or reduced
    • Spouse/dependent information: name(s), date(s) of birth, address(es), Social Security number(s)
  3. Within 31 days of your coverage termination date, you must complete and return the following documents along with your first premium payment:
    • Notice of Group Life Conversion (completed and signed by your employer)
    • Application for Life insurance
    • A voided check (only if you choose to pay monthly)
    • A signed illustration (please sign and return all pages)
    • A check for the first premium payment – please be sure to send a personal check (not a starter check) or a money order or cashier’s check issued by a bank

Mail all documents to:
Sun Life
Group Conversion
P.O. Box 9106
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

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Disability and Paid Family and Medical Leave Claims - General Information

How Do I . . .

What do I need to file a disability or paid family and medical leave claim?

To file a Short- or Long-Term Disability or paid family and medical leave* claim, you will need to complete a claimant statement, which asks for the following information:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your name, address and telephone number
  • Information about your employment and income
  • Information about your condition
  • Your healthcare provider(s) name, address and telephone number
  • The name and address of the hospital you visited (if applicable)
  • Medical records and/or treatment notes (upon request)
  • Other income you may be receiving during you’re absence

You can submit Short- and Long-Term Disability claims online. You only need to submit one claim for your disability and absence benefits - and we'll take care of the rest.

*Applicable with paid family medical leave coverages you have with us. If you’re submitting a disability claim, we will initiate any statutory disability and paid family and medical leave coverages that may apply. 

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How do I get claim status information?

As soon as you get your claim number provided in our acknowledgement letter that was sent by mail or email, you can call or visit us online to get up-to-date information about your claim.

Phone: Call 800-247-6875 and follow the prompts for automated service

Online through your Sun Life account:

  • Log in to your Sun Life account
  • Select Check disability claim status on the home page
  • Enter your claim number and Social Security number and then select Log in

Watch our video to learn how to track a claim online.

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How do I get definitions of disability terms?

Definitions of disability terms are available:

  • Log in to your Sun Life account
  • Select Member support on the top left of your screen
  • Select the Learn more about insurance terms by visiting our glossary button

Definitions of basic disability terms are listed alphabetically in the Glossary of Terms. Select the letter of the term you want defined. The Glossary of Terms provides a general, summarized explanation of terms used in your employer's Group Policy. The Group Policy is the document that describes the insurance company's contract to provide benefits. If the terms listed in this glossary and the Group Policy differ, the Group Policy will govern. See your employer for a copy of the Group Policy.

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What is the difference between a waiting period and elimination period?

Waiting period: The length of time that a new employee (or one who has recently enrolled in the Group Policy) must wait before he or she is covered under the policy. The length of the Waiting Period varies by employer. Check with your employer, or see your Employee Benefits booklet for the specific provisions of the Group Policy.

Elimination period: The period of time that a claimant must be continuously disabled prior to becoming eligible for consideration of benefits. Elimination Periods vary by employer. For your Group Policy's Elimination Period, check with your employer or see your Employee Benefits booklet.

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How long will it take to make a claim decision?

The timing of a claim decision depends on when we receive the completed claim form and all supporting documentation that may be required. Once we receive all required documentation, we can begin working to deliver a timely and sound claim decision.

Each disability claim we receive is handled according to its own circumstances and facts. If we need additional information not included in your claim packet, we will notify you as soon as possible.

A complete description of all the procedures and guidelines pertaining to claim processing is specified in your employer's Group Policy. For more information, ask your employer or see your Employee Benefits booklet.

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Short-Term Disability

How do I . . .

Does Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada pay Short-Term Disability benefits for work-related injuries?

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is not responsible for paying claims for work-related injuries. Such claims should be directed to your employer's Workers' Compensation insurer.

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How do I know what is considered a Short-Term Disability claim?

Short-Term Disability insurance pays benefits for your own medical condition that prevents you from performing the material and substantial duties of your occupation. Benefits begin soon after a disability starts. Short-Term Disability benefits continue for a limited amount of time, usually 6 to 26 weeks depending on the condition.

If you expect to be absent from work for longer than your Short-Term Disability plan's elimination period (define), then you may file a Short-Term Disability claim. Use these general definitions to familiarize yourself with the differences between Short-Term and Long-Term disability.

  • Short-Term Disability insurance usually pays benefits for illnesses or injuries soon after they start, continuing for a limited amount of time, usually 6 to 26 weeks depending on the condition.
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance provides benefits after Short-Term Disability ends. LTD is for chronic or catastrophic disabilities that started six months ago or longer.

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How do I file a short-term disability claim (excludes FMLA)?

What's needed: To notify Sun Life and your employer of a Short-Term Disability claim, you may submit your claim online or by paper. You can find the required forms by selecting Find a short term disability form on the home page of Sun Life US.

Online through your Sun Life account:

  1. Log in to your Sun Life account
  2. Select Submit a claim on the home page
  3. Follow the steps to complete the Employee Statement
  4. Check your answers carefully and select Submit Claim
  5. Print the Attending Physician Statement (APS) and fill in your name and Group Policy number. Send a copy of the APS to your doctor to complete. You can have your doctor send the completed APS directly to Sun Life. If you prefer to submit all of your paperwork together, you will need to get the APS from your doctor.
  6. For Sun Life to obtain any additional medical information on your behalf, you must complete your Employee Authorization form. Make a copy of your completed paperwork for your records. You can submit all required documents to Sun Life by:

    Mail:
    Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
    Group STD Claims
    P.O. Box 81915
    Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
    Fax: 781-304-5599
    Email: myclaimdocuments@sunlife.com

To submit a paper claim, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Find a form and select Short-term disability under Employee benefits forms. The following forms will need to be completed by you, your employer and the treating physician. You must sign and date the Authorizations. 
        -Disability claim statement – employee
        -Disability claim statement – employer
        -Disability claim statement – APS    
  2. Return the signed forms to:
    Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
    Group STD Claims
    P.O. Box 81915
    Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
    Fax: 781-304-5599
    Email: myclaimdocuments@sunlife.com

Note: If you’re submitting a disability claim, we will initiate any statutory disability and paid family and medical leave coverages that may apply.

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Does FMLA affect my Short-Term Disability claim?

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees of qualified organizations have the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period.

While FMLA doesn't offer any benefits that would affect a Short-Term Disability, FMLA does guarantee you job availability once you return from your medical leave.

Health care coverage may be continued during the leave at the same contribution level as before. The employer can recoup premiums that were paid for continued benefits if the employee does not return to work. Please contact your employer for more information.

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How do I file an FMLA leave and Short-Term Disability claim?

Follow your how to file a claim instructions provided by your employer. Or call us at 800-247-6875, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

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Maternity

How do I . . .

How do I find out when my maternity benefits begin?

Benefits are based upon appropriate doctor certification. Typically, you become eligible for benefits on the day you deliver. Please note, there may be a short period of time, called an Elimination Period, before benefit checks actually begin. Ask your employer or refer to your Employee Benefits booklet to determine the length of your Elimination Period.

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When do my benefits end?

Short-Term Disability benefits typically end six weeks after your delivery date. If you have medical complications that prevent you from doing your job, we will review the medical records provided by your doctor and may extend your benefits beyond this timeframe.

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Will I receive Short-Term Disability benefits if I stop working before my due date?

If you have medical complications that prevent you from doing your job, we will review medical records provided by your doctor and may provide benefits prior to your expected delivery date.

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Long-Term Disability

How do I . . .

How do I know what is considered a Long-Term Disability claim?

You should only file a Long-Term Disability claim if you have been unable to work because of a disabling illness or injury for 6 to 12 months. Use these general definitions to familiarize yourself with the differences between Long-Term and Short-Term disability.

  • Short-Term Disability insurance usually pays benefits for illnesses or injuries soon after they start, continuing for a limited amount of time, usually 6 to 26 weeks depending on the condition.
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance provides benefits after Short-Term Disability ends. LTD is for chronic or catastrophic disabilities that started six months ago or longer.

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How do I file a Long-Term Disability claim?

What's needed: To notify Sun Life and your employer of a Long-Term Disability claim, you may use our online claims system or submit a paper form. You can find the required forms by selecting Find a form on the home page of Sun Life US.

Online through your Sun Life account:

  1. Log in to your Sun Life account
  2. Select Submit a claim the home page
  3. Select Long-Term Disability Claim
  4. Complete the required information about yourself, your condition, education, training and work experience. You will be given an opportunity to review/edit your information at the end of these sections. Once you confirm everything is correct, select Continue.
  5. Print and complete the Employee Authorization and Attending Physician forms
  6. Certify that you read the fraud warning and then select Submit Claim
  7. Upload your completed forms by clicking on Upload a Long-Term Disability claim document (located on the home page) or send them to Sun Life by fax or mail.

    Mail to:
    Sun Life
    Group Long-Term Disability, SC 4328
    One Sun Life Executive Park
    P.O. Box 81830
    Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
    Fax to: 781-304-5599

To submit a paper form, follow these steps:

Download and complete the LTD Claim Employee's Statement and submit with supporting medical evidence of total disability. Your employer must submit the LTD Claim - Employer's Statement. Your physician must submit the LTD Claim - Attending Physician Statement. You should submit your claim as soon as you determine that your disability will last beyond the elimination period.

Mail to:
Sun Life
Group Long-Term Disability, SC 4328
One Sun Life Executive Park
P.O. Box 81830
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

Fax to: 781-304-5599

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How do I find out how long my benefits will last?

The maximum benefit period is based upon the schedule of benefits in your employer's Group Policy. Most policies have an "Own Occupation" standard that requires you to be unable to perform the duties of your own occupation in order to receive benefits. Depending upon the terms of the Group Policy, "Own Occupation" benefits may last for two, three or five years.

After the "Own Occupation" period ends, most Group Policies switch to an "Any Occupation" standard that requires you to be unable to perform the duties of any occupation for which you are qualified by education or experience in order to receive benefits.

Your benefits while under the "Any Occupation" standard will end at retirement or at a specific age, depending on your employer's Group Policy. For the exact terms and conditions of your eligibility for, and entitlement to, Long-Term Disability benefits, please see your employer's Group Policy, check with your employer or see your Employee Benefits booklet.

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SunAdvisor

How do I . . .

What if your employer self-insures sick leave or short-term disability?

SunAdvisor is a service of Sun Life that provides claims administration services to employers who self-insure their own sick leave or short-term disability plan.

Sun Life does not insure benefits under the employer's benefits plan when providing SunAdvisor services. The employer remains responsible for the risks and liabilities covered by its benefits plan.

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How do I file a SunAdvisor claim?

What's needed: To notify Sun Life and your employer of a sick leave claim, you may use our online claim system or submit a paper claim.

Online through your Sun Life account

  1. Log in to your Sun Life account
  2. Click on Submit a claim
  3. Fill in the requested information about yourself, your employment and your condition
  4. Check your answers carefully and select Submit Claim
  5. Print the Attending Physician Statement (APS) and send it to your doctor to complete. You can have your doctor send the completed APS directly to Sun Life. If you prefer to submit all of your paperwork together, you will need to get the APS from your doctor.
  6. For Sun Life to obtain any additional medical information on your behalf, you must complete your HIPAA and Privacy (Employee Authorization) form. Make a copy of your completed paperwork for your records. You can submit all required documents to Sun Life by:

    Mail:
    Sun Life
    SunAdvisor, SC 4312
    P.O. Box 81915
    Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
    Fax: 781-304-5599
    Email: myclaimdocuments@sunlife.com

To submit a paper claim, follow these steps:

  1. Open the printable form (requires Acrobat Reader)
  2. Your employer and physician must complete their sections. You must sign and date the Authorizations.
  3. Return to:
    Sun Life
    SunAdvisor, SC 4312
    One Sun Life Executive Park
    P.O. Box 81915
    Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
    Fax to: 781-304-5519
    Email: myclaimdocuments@sunlife.com

Note: If you’re submitting a disability claim, we will initiate any statutory disability and paid family and medical leave coverage that may apply

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How do I find a dentist in my network?

Online through your Sun Life account:

  1. Log in to your Sun Life account
  2. Select Find a dentist on the home page
  3. Search for your dentist

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How to add Sun Life’s secure website icon to your mobile phone’s home screen:

For iPhone users:

  1. Open your Safari web browser and navigate to the Sun Life account sign in page: Sun Life account sign in page
  2. Select the share icon from Safari’s web browser menu.

        3. From the menu, select Add to Home Screen.

        4. Give your icon the name Sun Life account and then select Add.

Your new website icon will now be visible on your phone’s home screen. You can select this icon at any time to quickly access your Sun Life account.

For Android users:

  1. Open your Google Chrome web browser and navigate to the Sun Life account sign in page: Sun Life account sign in
  2. Open Google Chrome’s drop-down menu by selecting the three-dot icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

        3. From the drop-down menu, select Add to Home screen.

        4. Give your icon the name Sun Life account and then select Add.

        5. Select Add again if asked a second time.

Your new website icon will now be visible on your phone’s home screen. You can select this icon at any time to quickly access your Sun Life account.

 

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Group insurance policies are underwritten by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, MA) in all states, except New York. In New York group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, MI). Product offerings may not be available in all states and may vary depending on state laws and regulations.