Short Term Disability Leave: Definition, How It Works, and Everything You Need to Know

What is short term disability insurance?

Short term disability insurance is a type of insurance coverage that provides income replacement for people who are unable to work due to a temporary disability, illness, or injury, according to ADP.

This type of insurance typically covers a portion of the your income for a limited period of time — the amount of time your insurance covers will vary, based on your coverage, but can be as much as a few months to a year.

The purpose of short term disability insurance is to help you maintain financial stability during a temporary inability to work. This type of insurance is sometimes offered through employers or it can be purchased independently, according to ADP. However you decide to get coverage, it is important to review the specific terms and coverage details of your policy so you understand your specific benefits and limitations.

How does short term disability insurance work?

Short term disability insurance works by providing an income replacement to people who are unable to work due to a temporary disability, illness, or injury, according to Guardian Life.

When you have a short term disability insurance policy, you can file a claim, and upon approval, the insurance company will provide a percentage of your income for the specified benefit period—typically ranging from a few months to a year, depending on the policy terms. During this time, you can focus on recovery and rehabilitation without the added financial stress of lost income and unpaid bills.

When you sign up for a short term disability insurance policy, ADP recommends that you review your policy details for the following disability benefits:

• How to file a claim and check the status of a claim

• The waiting period before benefits begin

• What illnesses, injuries, and disabilities are covered under your policy

• The percentage of income that your policy will replace

• The maximum benefit duration (how long your policy will provide income)’

To start a claim for short term disability, you will likely need a doctor’s note to attest to your need to take time off work. You will then need to file a claim with your short term disability insurance provider and file the necessary paperwork with your employer.

What conditions qualify for short term disability?

The specific conditions that qualify for short term disability can vary depending on your disability benefits, according to Guardian Life. However, common qualifying conditions for short term disability may include:

• Illnesses

• Injuries

• Surgeries

• Complications from pregnancy

• Recovery from childbirth

• Other temporary medical conditions that prevent an individual from working, including mental health conditions

According to Limra, the most common reasons for short term disability insurance claims are:

• Pregnancy complications and recovery

• Musculoskeletal disorders

• Injuries

• Digestive disorders

• Mental health issues

Benefits of short-term disability insurance

Short term disability can be beneficial for both employers and employees, according to ADP. Employers who offer short term disability are able to

• Attract new employees who want the peace of mind of short terrm disability benefits

• Retain valued employees who are able to return to work after a short leave of absence to recover

• Improve employee financial wellness

For you, the employee, the benefits are equally great, ADP notes that employees who have short term disability can:

• Recover with the peace of mind that they won’t get behind on unpaid bills

• Schedule necessary medical procedures knowing that they can take time off and not worry about finances

What’s the difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance?

The main difference between short term and long term disability insurance lies in the duration of coverage and the length of time benefits are provided, according to Guardian Life.

Short term disability insurance typically provides coverage for a limited period of time, often ranging from a few months to a year, although specific durations can vary by policy. On the other hand, long term disability insurance is intended to provide coverage for an extended period.

There are other ways you can take time off work for a temporary disability if you don’t have short term disability insurance. These include:

• A medical leave of absence

• A mental health leave of absence

• FMLA leave of absence

• Long term disability
• Social Security disability (if you qualify)

Urgent care near me

The first step in submitting a short term disability claim is by getting a doctor’s note that proves you need time off work for a specific illness, injury, or disability. You can get a doctor’s note from urgent care.