For When It's Needed

Voluntary Disability Insurance (VDI) (Short Term)

Stanford automatically enrolls you in the short-term Voluntary Disability Insurance (VDI) plan starting on your date of hire. This plan pays a benefit if you are unable to work due to a non-work related illness or injury as well as maternity and family leave.

Family Temporary Disability Insurance

Family Temporary Disability (FTD) insurance provides a benefit to eligible employees who take an approved leave of absence to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. This program is intended to provide partial income replacement during what would otherwise be unpaid leave. FTD does not create additional leave rights or guarantee job retention. It is a component of Stanford's Voluntary Disability Insurance (VDI) plan and State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Learn more about Family Leave and Disability.

State Disability Insurance

You may choose to reject automatic enrollment in Stanford's VDI plan and instead enroll in California State Disability Insurance (SDI). You must complete a VDI Rejection Notice and submit it to your Payroll Department. You may always return to the VDI plan as long as you complete a SDI Rejection Notice. For more info on SDI, visit California's Employment Development Department Web site.

Long Term Disability

Stanford provides a generous Long Term Disability (LTD) plan that pays a monthly benefit in the event of long-term illness or injury. There is a 90-day waiting period before benefits begin, and the plan pays up to two-thirds of your monthly income. You do not need to enroll for this plan; your coverage is automatic and provided at no cost to you. The benefits under this plan are taxable, plus other forms of income may reduce the LTD benefits you receive.