Transitioning a Short-Term Disability Leave

Transitioning a Short-Term Disability Leave

For any Short-Term Disability (STD) leave that begins prior to January 1, 2026, Sun Life will continue to manage your STD benefits. You will continue to work with Sun Life for any approvals or extensions related to STD.

Your Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) leaves that run concurrently with STD will be managed by The Hartford, beginning January 1, 2026. These leaves will be automatically approved or extended by The Hartford if your STD is approved or extended. You do not have to take additional action.

The state you work in may also provide leave benefits. Depending on the state, you may work with Sun Life or the state directly.

• If you work in Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, or Oregon, Sun Life will continue to manage your state-paid leave benefits. The amount of any state benefits you are eligible for will be deducted from your Short-Term Disability pay. You will continue to receive the amount of your state leave benefit from Sun Life. If you need to approve or extend your STD leave and state-paid leave benefits, you will continue to work with Sun Life.
• If you work in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Washington, or Washington D.C., the state will continue to manage your state-paid benefits. Any state benefits you are eligible for will reduce your Short-Term Disability pay. You will continue to receive the amount of your state leave benefits from the state. If you need to approve or extend your state-paid leave, you will work with the state. Refer to this State Contact Directory for information about how to contact the state in which you work.   
• If you work in a state not listed here, the state does not currently provide leave benefits. You will continue to work with Sun Life for STD leave and The Hartford for FMLA and ADA leave, as appropriate.

Returning to Work

When you’re ready to return to work, notify your manager, The Hartford, and Sun Life.

If necessary, work with The Hartford to request accommodations for your return to work, such as reduced hours, lifting restrictions, etc. The Hartford will submit your request to the leave and accommodations partner who will work with your manager to determine if your request can be accommodated. You should not return to work until you have received approval of the accommodation.