What short-term disability is and who offers it

Short-term disability insurance replaces part of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury — usually for a few weeks to a few months. It is not a government program. Instead, your employer offers it as part of your benefits package, or you buy it yourself as an individual policy.

Most short-term disability comes through your job. If your employer offers it, the cost is often split between you and them, or your employer pays the full premium. Some people buy individual short-term disability policies on their own, particularly if they are self-employed or their employer does not offer coverage.

The key difference from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is timing and source. SSDI is a federal program for people with long-term disabilities, takes months to process, and requires proof of a condition expected to last at least 12 months. Short-term disability moves faster — often within days — and covers temporary conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Short-term disability is offered by your employer or purchased individually; it is not a government program you explore to through Social Security.
  • You typically file a claim with your employer's benefits administrator or the insurance company that holds your policy, not with a government agency.
  • Your doctor must complete a medical certification form stating you cannot work and when you may return; this is the most important document in your claim.
  • Most claims are decided within one to two weeks, though the exact timeline depends on how quickly your doctor returns the certification form.
  • If your employer does not offer short-term disability, you can research individual policies through insurance brokers or directly from insurers.

Finding out if you have short-term disability coverage

Start by checking whether your employer offers short-term disability. Look at the benefits materials you received when you were hired — often called an employee handbook, benefits guide, or summary of benefits. If you cannot find these documents, contact your human resources (HR) or benefits department directly and ask whether short-term disability is part of your plan.

If you have coverage, the materials will tell you the waiting period (how many days you must be unable to work before benefits begin), the benefit amount (usually 50 to 70 percent of your regular pay), and the maximum duration (often 3 to 6 months). Write down the name of the insurance company that administers the plan — this is who you will contact to file your claim.

If your employer does not offer short-term disability, you have the option to buy an individual policy. Insurance brokers and some insurers sell these directly to individuals and self-employed people. Costs and coverage vary widely, so compare several policies before purchasing.

How to file a claim with your employer's plan

Contact your HR department or benefits administrator as soon as you know you will miss work. Do not wait until you have been out for several days. Give them the name of the insurance company that holds your plan (from your benefits materials) and ask for the claim form. Many employers now provide these online through a benefits portal; others will mail or email the form to you.

The claim form asks for basic information: your name, employee ID, the date you stopped working, and a description of why you cannot work. You will also need to authorize the insurance company to contact your doctor. Fill out your portion completely and accurately — errors or missing information can delay your claim.

Your employer may also ask you to provide a written statement about your condition and when you expect to return to work. Be honest and specific. If you do not know when you will return, say that; guessing can create problems later if your recovery takes longer than you predicted.

Getting your doctor's certification

The insurance company will send your doctor a medical certification form. This form asks your doctor to confirm that you cannot work, describe your condition, and estimate when you may return. Your doctor must complete and sign this form — it is the most important document in your claim.

Call your doctor's office as soon as you file your claim and let them know the form is coming. Ask how long it typically takes them to return completed forms. Some offices return them within days; others take two to three weeks. If your doctor's office is slow, follow up after one week to check on the status.

The insurance company may contact your doctor directly to verify the information. Your doctor is not required to discuss your case with you after submitting the form, so do not expect a detailed conversation about what they told the insurance company.

What happens after you submit your claim

Once the insurance company receives your completed claim form and your doctor's certification, they review everything and make a decision. This usually takes one to two weeks. Some insurers notify you by mail; others use email or an online portal. Check your claim status regularly if the insurer offers an online system.

If your claim is approved, the insurance company will tell you when benefits begin (usually after the waiting period ends), how much you will receive, and how often payments will be made. Most short-term disability pays weekly or biweekly. The money goes directly to your bank account or by check, depending on what you set up.

If your claim is denied, the insurance company must explain why in writing. Common reasons include: the condition does not meet the policy definition of disability, the waiting period has not passed, or the medical certification does not support that you cannot work. You have the right to appeal a denial, usually within 30 to 60 days.

Staying in touch with your employer while on leave

Short-term disability is income replacement, not a leave of absence. You may still be considered an employee during your claim period, or you may be on formal leave. Ask your HR department which applies to you and what you need to do to keep your job protected.

Some employers require you to provide updates on your condition or expected return date at regular intervals — for example, every two weeks. The insurance company may also ask for updates. Respond promptly to these requests; failing to do so can result in your benefits being paused or stopped.

If your condition improves and you can return to work before your benefits end, tell both your employer and the insurance company when ready. You do not have to stay on short-term disability until the maximum duration runs out.

What to do if you do not have short-term disability coverage

If your employer does not offer short-term disability, you have a few options. You can purchase an individual short-term disability policy from an insurance company or broker. These policies work similarly to employer plans but are more expensive because you pay the full premium yourself.

You can also explore whether your state offers temporary disability insurance. A few states — including California, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island — run state disability programs that provide income replacement for workers who cannot work due to illness or injury. may be able to access and benefit amounts vary by state.

If you have a long-term condition that prevents you from working indefinitely, you may eventually be able to file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), though the process takes several months and has strict medical requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between short-term disability and sick leave?

Sick leave is paid time off your employer gives you for minor illnesses or appointments. Short-term disability is insurance that replaces your income when you are too ill or injured to work for an extended period — usually longer than a few days. You typically exhaust sick leave first, then move to short-term disability.

Do I have to tell my employer why I cannot work?

You must provide enough information for the insurance company to determine whether your condition meets the policy definition of disability. You do not have to share every detail of your medical history. A general description — such as "surgery recovery" or "severe back injury" — is usually sufficient on the initial claim form.

What if my doctor says I can work part-time but not full-time?

Some short-term disability policies offer partial or residual benefits if you can work reduced hours. The insurance company will pay a portion of your benefit based on the income you lose. Ask your benefits administrator whether your plan includes this option.

Can my employer fire me while I am on short-term disability?

This depends on your state and the reason for termination. In most states, you cannot be fired solely because you are on short-term disability. However, your employer can terminate you for other reasons unrelated to your leave. Consult your employee handbook or ask HR about your state's protections.

What happens if I recover before my benefits end?

You should notify both your employer and the insurance company as soon as you are able to return to work. Your benefits will stop, and you will return to your regular job. You do not lose anything by returning early — you only receive benefits for the time you are actually unable to work.