Who is eligible to Apply?
In order to participate in the plan, you must be a licensed mortage professional (broker or loan originator), actively engaged in the practice of your regular occupation, working at least 30 hours per week in that occupation, and an active AOP member. Your eligibility is also subject to review based on the information and the medical history provided on your application and, if necessary, by your attending physician or other medical sources. Other evidence of insurability may also be required.
Group Rates for Mortgage Professionals
This plan offers very competitive group rates for mortgage professionals. You are also protected from individual rate increases. Your premium will only increase when you enter a new age-rating category or if rates increase for all participants in the group.
Renewal Guarantee
Paying the premium applicable for your particular age automatically renews this coverage. Coverage will end only if (1) you do not pay this premium: (2) you retire: (3) you cease to be actively engaged full time in your profession: (4) you cease to be a member of AOP: (5) the group policy ends. Otherwise, coverage is renewable to any age.
Own Occupation Definition of Disability
A member is considered disabled if he or she has physical, mental or emotional limits caused by a current sickness or injury and, due to these limits, he or she is: (a) not able to perform, on a full- time basis, the major duties of his or her Own occupation: and (b) not able to earn more than this plan's maximum allowed income earned during disability, This own occupation definition remains in effect for your full benefit period.
Customize Your Benefits
You may choose the maximum paymemt period, elimination period, and monthy benefit amount that best meets your needs. These features help you manage and control the cost of your benefit plan.
The maximum payment period (also commonly referred to as the "benefit period") is the longest time that benefits are paid by this plan.
The elimination period (also commonly referred to as the "waiting period") is the period of time you must be disabled, due to a covered disability, before this plan's benefits are payable.
The monthly benefit amount that you choose cannot be more than 60% of your monthly earnings. Current additional underwriting limits may apply. At the time of claim, your combined group disability coverage cannot exceed 60% of your monthly earnings. If you already own an Individual Disability policy, your combined individual and group disability coverage cannot exceed 100% of your monthly earnings. A benefit calculator is available on this website to help you determine how much benefit you qualify for.
Available Monthly Benefit Amounts: $100, $500, $750, $1000, $1250, $1500, $2000, $2500, $3000, $3500, $4000, $4500, $5000.
Available Maximum Payment Periods: 2 Years, 5 Years, To Age 65
Available Elimination Periods: 90 Days, 180 Days, 360 Days
Residual Benefit
Allows you to rebuild your income to its pre-disability level as you return to full-time work. During the first 12 months you return to work, your combined gross monthly benefit and current part-time earnings while disabled can be as much as 100% of your pre-disability earnings.
Rehabilitation Benefit
This coverage includes an elective rehabilitation program. While you participate in a rehabilitation program approved by Guardian, you are entided to receive 110% of the monthly benefit otherwise payable to you. Additional consideration can be given to ancillary expenses, such as childcare costs, which are incurred to allow you to participate in the rehabilitation.
Waiver of Premium Benefit
If you become disabled and satisfy the elimination period, we will waive premiums which become due during any continuing period of disability for which you are receiving benefits.
Waiver of Elimination Period Benefit
Your benefits in this plan will end when you cease to be disabled. In the event that you suffer a later disability, the disability may be treated as a recurring disability. If the later disability is a recurring disability, you will not need to complete a new elimination period before becoming entitled to benefits.
Special Limitations
Disabilities due to mental and nervous disorders, and alcohol or drug abuse, are covered under this plan for a lifetime maximum of two years.
Disabilities that are not covered
Your policy does not cover disabilities or losses caused by, contributed to, or resulting from:
- War, any act of war, or military service
- Suicide, attempted suicide, or intentionally self-inflicted injury
- Service in the armed forces
- Participation in a riot or other civil disorder
- Participation in an unlawful occupation
- Also, no benefits are payable for any period of disability during which you are not receiving the regular care and treatment of a doctor other than yourself.
How to Apply
DOWNLOAD ENROLLMENT KIT 
COMPLETE THE ENTIRE ENROLLMENT FORM. Make sure that you answer all questions and include all neccesary medical history detail.
COMPLETE PAYMENT METHOD/AOP MEMBERSHIP FORM Please select your payment method and include a voided check, if you'd like to pay your premiums and AOP membership dues ($2.00/month) via monthly auto-pay. If you select annual direct billing, you do not need to send payment at this time. If you are approved, you will be invoiced for your dues and insurance premiums.
FAX OR MAIL COMPLETED FORMS Fax forms to administrator at 904-396·2091 or return forms in the enclosed envelope.
Qualification
No physical exam is typically required to apply, however, Guardian may request a completed physical exam and/or doctor's records to determine insurability. This will be at no cost to you. For monthly benefit amounts greater than $100, acceptance into the plan is not guaranteed and is subject to evidence of insurability as determined by Guardian.
30-Day Free Look
If your application is approved by Guardian, and you have made your initial premium payment, you will receive your new certificate of coverage. Be sure that you understand all of your rights and benefits under the plan. If you are not completely satisfied, for any reason, return the certificate of coverage within 30 days of receipt and your premium will be fully refunded, no questions asked.
Association Membership
This Long Term Disability insurance plan is issued as an association group plan and available to members of AOP, the Association of Professionals. If you are not already a member, you are required to join AOP to apply for coverage (see enrollment kit). AOP is an independent consumer association whose white collar professional members benefit from the pooling of resources. AOP exists to improve the quality of life and enhance business practices amongst professionals by offering educational information, networking opportunities, benefits and services for Association members. AOP is domiciled in Missouri. AOP does not receive any compensation from Guardian.
About Guardian
Founded In 1860. The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY (Guardian) is one of the largest mutual life insurance companies in the United States. As of December 31, 2009, Guardian and its subsidiaries had $30.9 billion in assets (on a consolidated statutory basis). With more than 5,000 employees and 3,000 financial representatives, as well as more than 80 agencies nationwide, Guardian and its subsidiaries protect individuals, businesses and their employees with life, disability, health, long-term care, and dental insurance products, and offer 401(k), annuities and other financial products and trust services. More information about Guardian can be obtained at: www.GuardianLife.com. |
