Puerto Rico
Although there are common elements to the many regulations, there are also differences in the way each state or province designs its plan and coordinates it with other leave types. Here’s what you need to know about disability insurance in Puerto Rico.
Seguro por Incapacidad No Ocupacional Temporal (SINOT)
Seguro por Iincapacidad No Occupacional Temporal (SINOT) translates to Temporary Non-Occupational Disability Insurance, which is a program that pays benefits to insured workers who have lost their wages caused by a non-work-related illness or injury, including pregnancy.
This program also provides benefits to dependents for death and dismemberment of an insured worker.
SINOT was enacted on June 26, 1968.
Any employee that meets the following criteria is eligible:
- Is unable to work as the result of a non-work-related illness or injury, including pregnancy
- Has been in treatment and has authorization from a doctor or chiropractor
- Has received salaries of a least $150 in insured employment during their base year
Every employer is required to pay contributions, including public contributions. This can be done in two ways, either by both the employer and the employee or just by the employer. The contribution will be 0.6% of the employees first $9,000 of annual earnings; the contributions may be shared. The maximum annual employee contribution is $54.
The commonwealth allows employers to establish a private plan that is at least as liberal as the commonwealth’s plan. The commonwealth must approve all private plans which can only go into effect on July 1st. Lincoln does not currently administer private plans in Puerto Rico.
There is a seven-day waiting period for benefits except when a claimant is hospitalized which qualifies the claimant for first day benefits.
A covered employee’s weekly benefits under the program are:
- Payable at up to 65% of employee’s weekly earnings
- Weekly benefits: Minimum = $12; maximum = $113 ($55 maximum for agricultural workers)
- Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks.
- Benefits payable for less than one week will be paid in increments of 1/7 of the weekly benefit
- Additional benefits for death or dismemberment
SINOT does not provide job protection.