A Word from the Benefits Group at Local 1298

We are here to help assist members with FMLA, Disability, and Workers Compensation claims. If you find yourself wondering where to go for help, or have general questions, please call for information.

If you have become ill and incapacitated and have utilized short term disability benefits, and have questions regarding the plan, or received a denial from Sedgwick, please don't hesitate to contact us.

The AT&T disability plan is governed by ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). Sedgwick/IDSC AT&T (formally SMAART) has an obligation to deal with your disability claim in a manner that is fair and civil; in doing so, Sedgwick must use their best efforts to help you understand your disability benefits, your rights under the plan, and help you get your plan approved. Getting a disability claim approved means you must prove you are disabled and unable to perform your job, by sending in objective medical information obtained from your physicians. You need to know what your doctors have said; once the doctors have sent in medical facts pertaining to your claim Sedgwick will not send you copies of the medical files they received from each of your doctors. However, if your claim has been denied, or approved and then denied, you can make a written request for a copy of your entire claim file. Pursuant to ERISA, Sedgwick is required to provide the complete file within thirty days. Each and every contact with a Sedgwick Claims Representative should be documented by taking hand written notes of the call, word for word.

Dealing with Sedgwick during difficult times in our lives can sometimes lead to more unwanted stress, so please remember we are here to help! All information is CONFIDENTIAL.

Our goal is to help our fellow brothers and sisters gain approval of their benefit claims, without going through the appeals process. The appeal process should be used after all other avenues have been exhausted.

We continually strive to improve the relationship between AT&T IDSC and our members.

In Solidarity,

Union Disability Benefit Liason