Upon approval of your leave of absence request, you will receive instructions from Human Resources on how to contact Cigna to initiate a STD claim. Please be advised that there is a thirty (30) day waiting period as of January 1, 2014. This means that if your medical condition meets the STD qualifications, you will receive STD benefits on the 31st day of your absence. Employees are strongly encouraged to use their leave time (sick, PTO, etc.) to cover the 30-day waiting period. This 30-day waiting period includes all calendar days.