Survivor Benefit
Duke provides a
death benefit in the event of the death of an eligible employee. Employees
regularly scheduled to work at least 30 hours a week and faculty regularly
scheduled to work 40 hours a week are eligible for the benefit after one year of
service. The benefit amount is equal to one month's pay for each year of
service, up to a maximum of six months. Duke pays the entire cost. The coverage
terminates at retirement or termination of employment from Duke. This plan is also
known as the Gratuity to Spouse or Estate Plan.
Eligibility
You are covered under this plan if you are an active employee regularly scheduled
to work at least 30 hours per week or a faculty member regularly scheduled to
work 40 hours a week, and have at least one year of service at Duke. In
addition, the employee must be regularly scheduled to work at least 30 hours
per week and the faculty member must be regularly scheduled to work at least
40 hours a week at the time of death. House staff are not eligible for this
plan.
The benefit is lost if your hours are reduced below full time status, upon
termination, and at retirement. Eligibility is also lost while the employee
is on an unpaid leave of absence, but continues for a full time faculty member
on an approved sabbatical leave as well as for the employee on long term disability
who is receiving benefits under Duke's long term disability plan.
An employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement isn't eligible for
coverage for this plan, unless coverage was mutually agreed to in the bargaining
agreement.
Benefit Amount
The plan provides one month's pay for each complete year of full time service
up to a maximum of six months of pay. The benefit amount is reduced by any
amount you may owe Duke at the time of death, such as loans and travel advances
or an overpayment made to you under Duke's long term disability plan.
Enrolling
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you are automatically covered
under this plan.
Funding
Duke pays the entire cost of the plan from its general assets. You
don't have to pay any premiums for the benefit.
Claims & Appeals Procedure
Your beneficiary or the executor or administrator of your estate may file a
claim for a benefit by giving the plan administrator sufficient proof of your
death. The plan administrator may also request submission of sufficient evidence
of the right of your beneficiary or the executor or administrator of your estate
to receive the benefit payable under the plan.
Duke reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, suspend or
terminate this program at any time, for any reason.
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