services in the United States, has announced that it has introduced a claims service guarantee programme for its Short Term Disability policyholders.

The programme -- designed to complement the carrier's focus on early intervention and return to work -- is a standard feature on all new group Short Term Disability policies and includes guarantees on claims turnaround time and customer satisfaction.

The company said given the fact that on average, 65 out of every 1,000 employees incur a short term disability claim each year, fast claims turnaround is critical, allowing employees to receive the financial support they need and expediting the return to work process.

"When employees are unexpectedly disabled, even a short unpaid absence can threaten their ability to meet their financial obligations,'' says Bob Dignazio, assistant vice president, Short Term Disability Products.

"At Sun Life, we recognise that employers today are looking for disability carriers that have the resources to act quickly on behalf of employees and employers.''