Short-Term Disability Insurance:
Protecting Your Income
When You Need It Most
Short-term disability insurance covers the gap between your sick days running out and your long-term disability benefits beginning. It's the bridge that keeps your finances intact during a temporary disability - surgery recovery, a serious illness, or childbirth.
Call 877-PATRIOTHow Short-Term Disability Works
Short-term disability insurance pays a weekly benefit when you're unable to work due to a covered illness or injury. The benefit is typically 60-70% of your pre-disability weekly income, paid weekly or bi-weekly.
You become unable to work due to illness or injury
Wait 7-14 days before benefits begin (0 days for accidents on some policies)
Receive 60-70% of weekly income, up to the policy maximum
Until you recover, reach the benefit period maximum (13-26 weeks), or transition to long-term disability
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability
| Feature | Short-Term | Long-Term |
|---|---|---|
| Elimination period | 0-14 days | 90-180 days |
| Benefit period | 13-26 weeks | 2 yrs to age 65 |
| Benefit amount | 60-70% of income | 60-70% of income |
| Typical cost | $25-$75/month | $50-$300/month |
| Best for | Temporary disabilities | Long-term/permanent disability |
Short-Term Disability Questions
What does short-term disability insurance cover?
Short-term disability insurance covers temporary disabilities that prevent you from working, typically for 3-6 months. Common covered conditions include: surgery and recovery, pregnancy and childbirth (maternity leave), serious illness, and injuries. Most policies cover both on-the-job and off-the-job disabilities, though some employer plans exclude pregnancy or pre-existing conditions.
How much does short-term disability insurance pay?
Short-term disability insurance typically replaces 60-70% of your weekly gross income, up to a weekly maximum (usually $1,000-$2,500 per week). Employer-paid benefits are taxable income. Individually purchased benefits where you pay the premium are tax-free. The benefit period is typically 13-26 weeks.
What is the elimination period for short-term disability?
The elimination period for short-term disability is the waiting period before benefits begin. For illness, the elimination period is typically 7-14 days. For accidents, many policies have a 0-day elimination period (benefits start immediately). The elimination period is why many financial advisors recommend having 1-2 months of emergency savings to bridge the gap before short-term disability benefits begin.
Get Short-Term Disability Coverage Today
Don't wait until you need it. Short-term disability insurance is only available when you're healthy.