How Long Will Short-Term Disability Last?
Short-term disability benefits can be an important safety net when you are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. Unlike Social Security disability (SSD), short-term disability is strictly time-limited. And, what is covered and for how long may vary depending on your short-term disability insurance policy.
What is Short-Term Disability Insurance?
This is an insurance policy you may purchase, or that may be provided by your employer. The coverage replaces a portion of your income for a limited time if you are unable to work due to a covered medical condition, illness, or injury. Most short-term disability policies pay about half of the disabled worker’s regular earnings, but that percentage can be higher or lower depending on the policy.
In most states, short-term disability is optional. Employers can choose whether or not to offer the coverage, and workers can choose whether or not to purchase their own policies. Unfortunately, that leaves a lot of workers without coverage. In a few states, short-term disability is covered by a state program, or employers are required to provide coverage.
How Long Can You Collect Benefits?
The amount of time you can collect short-term disability benefits will depend on the terms of your short-term disability policy. It’s common for the cap to be either three months or six months. If your disability lasts longer than that, you will need to pursue other options, such as filing a claim under any long-term disability policy you may have and applying for SSD. If you have long-term disability coverage, you will likely be required to apply for SSD, and your benefits may be reduced by the amount you receive.
Know Your Benefits Policy
Many people who have employer-provided coverage don’t pay much attention to the terms of the policy. That can mean scrambling to figure things out when injury or illness strikes. If you have coverage, take the time to understand your policy and know what coverage will be available if you need it. If you don’t have short-term disability coverage, consider looking into purchasing coverage. SSD benefits are only available if you are or are expected to be disabled for at least a year, and can take even longer to receive. That can leave a significant gap in income if you don’t have short-term coverage.
Having Trouble with Short-Term Disability?
If you’re unable to work due to disability, Disability Help Group is here for you. Whether you’re having trouble with your disability policy, your long-term disability policy, or your SSD application or appeal, our experienced advocates can help. Call us today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form to learn more here.
