A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Unum Benefits Package

If your employer offers benefits through Unum, you’ve already taken a big step toward protecting your financial future. But like many employees, you might be asking: What exactly do I have access to — and how do I make the most of it?

Whether you’re starting a new job, reviewing your open enrollment options, or just want to understand your insurance better, this guide breaks down the essentials of your Unum benefits package — in plain English.

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🧾 What Is Unum?

Unum is a leading provider of workplace benefits. Your employer likely partners with Unum to offer:

• Life insurance
• Disability insurance (short- and long-term)
• Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Wellness and financial planning resources

Unum works behind the scenes, while your HR team helps manage your enrollment and support.

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✅ What Your Unum Benefits Might Include

Here’s a quick overview of the most common Unum offerings:

1. Life Insurance

Pays your chosen beneficiary a lump sum if you pass away while covered.

• Basic life insurance is often paid by your employer
• Supplemental life lets you buy extra coverage
• Spouse and child coverage may also be available
• Portable if you leave the job

🛡️ Peace of mind for you — and financial protection for those you love.

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2. Disability Insurance

Replaces part of your income if you can’t work due to illness, injury, or childbirth.

• Short-Term Disability (STD): Covers weeks or months off
• Long-Term Disability (LTD): Covers extended absences
• Often includes coverage for mental health conditions
• Paid out weekly or monthly

💰 One of the most valuable protections — especially if you rely on your paycheck.

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3. AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment)

Provides an extra payout if you die or are seriously injured in an accident.

• Can be added to life insurance
• May pay for loss of limbs, eyesight, or mobility
• Helps cover medical costs or lifestyle changes

⚠️ Low-cost and smart for people in active or high-risk jobs.

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4. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

A confidential service available to you (and often your family) offering:

• Free counseling sessions
• Legal and financial help
• Stress and grief support
• Work-life balance tools

📞 Usually available 24/7 — just call the number provided by HR or in your benefits guide.

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5. Wellness & Financial Tools

Unum may also include access to:

• Will preparation
• Budgeting and debt management tools
• Retirement planning
• Health and wellness content

💡 These tools help you build not just a career — but a life with more clarity and control.

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🖥️ Where to Access Your Benefits Info

To review or manage your Unum benefits:

1. Log into your company’s HR/benefits portal
2. Look for links to “Unum” or “Voluntary Benefits”
3. Or visit unum.com/claimants for claims, forms, and support
4. Call Unum’s customer service with policy questions

📲 Many employers also use mobile apps or digital enrollment platforms — check with your HR team.

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📝 How to Enroll or Make Changes

Most benefits are selected during:

• Open enrollment (usually once a year)
• New hire onboarding
• Qualifying life events (marriage, birth, divorce, etc.)

During these windows, you can:

• Add or remove coverage
• Update beneficiaries
• Choose supplemental options
• Select riders (e.g., waiver of premium, accelerated benefits)

💬 Need help deciding? HR and Unum materials usually include comparison charts, calculators, and FAQs.

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💬 Real-Life Story: Getting Clarity from the Start

Jasmine, 27, got her first full-time job with benefits through Unum. With help from HR and the Unum website, she:

• Enrolled in basic and supplemental life insurance
• Added short-term disability for maternity planning
• Used the EAP for counseling when her dad passed away
• Created a will using Unum’s legal tools

💬 “I thought benefits would be confusing, but Unum made it simple. I feel protected, even though I’m just starting out.”

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❓ Unum FAQ for Beginners

Q: Do I need a medical exam to enroll?
A: Usually not — many plans offer guaranteed issue during enrollment windows.

Q: What happens if I leave my job?
A: You may be able to port or convert your coverage and pay Unum directly.

Q: Where do I check coverage amounts and premiums?
A: In your benefits portal or enrollment packet — or call Unum directly.

Q: Can I update my beneficiaries anytime?
A: Yes — usually through your HR portal or with a Unum form.

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Final Thoughts

Your benefits aren’t just checkboxes during onboarding — they’re tools to protect your life, income, and peace of mind. With Unum, you get:

✔️ Reliable protection for life and income
✔️ Tools to support wellness and resilience
✔️ Coverage that grows with you
✔️ Simple access and real support when you need it

👉 Whether you’re new to Unum or just want to get the most out of your plan — start exploring your options today.