Hartford's Short-Term Disability Pays in Weekly Installments

Yes, Hartford short-term disability typically pays on a weekly basis. When your claim is approved, Hartford sends payments weekly rather than in a lump sum or monthly installment. The exact day of the week depends on your specific plan and how Hartford processes your employer's payroll, but most employees receive their payments on the same day each week.

The amount you receive each week is based on your salary at the time you became disabled and the benefit percentage your employer's plan covers. Most Hartford plans replace between 50 and 66 percent of your regular weekly pay, though this varies depending on what your employer chose when they set up the policy.

Payments typically begin after a waiting period, sometimes called an elimination period. This is usually between 0 and 14 days from the date you stop working due to your condition, depending on your plan's terms. During this waiting period, you receive no payments from Hartford.

Key Takeaways

  • Hartford sends short-term disability payments weekly, not monthly or as a single payment.
  • Your weekly amount is a percentage of your regular salary, usually between 50 and 66 percent, set by your employer's plan.
  • Payments do not start when ready—there is typically a waiting period of 0 to 14 days before the first check arrives.
  • You must submit medical documentation and proof that you cannot work to receive payments, and Hartford may request updates during your claim.

When Your First Payment Arrives

The timing of your first payment depends on when Hartford receives your completed claim and medical records. After you submit your initial paperwork, Hartford usually takes 5 to 10 business days to review it and make a decision. If approved, your first payment arrives within one to two weeks of approval, though this can vary based on your employer's payroll schedule and how Hartford processes claims in your state.

If Hartford needs additional medical information before making a decision, the clock pauses. You will receive a letter asking for specific documents—such as a detailed medical report from your doctor or test results—and the review does not resume until Hartford has what it needs. This is why submitting complete paperwork the first time speeds up the process.

What Happens If You Return to Work Early

If you return to work before your short-term disability period ends, your weekly payments stop. Hartford does not pay for weeks in which you are working, even if you are working part-time or at reduced hours. Some plans include a "partial disability" benefit that pays a reduced amount if you return to work at lower pay than you earned before, but this is not automatic—your plan must include this feature.

You must notify Hartford when ready if you return to work. Failing to report your return can result in Hartford demanding repayment of benefits you were not may have access to to receive. The notification usually goes to the claims administrator listed in your plan documents, not directly to Hartford's main office.

How to Track Your Payments

Hartford typically provides a claims portal or phone line where you can check the status of your claim and see payment history. You can log in to view when payments were sent, the amount of each payment, and any outstanding requests for medical information. Your employer's human resources or benefits department can also provide you with your claim number and instructions for accessing this information.

Keep records of each payment you receive. If a payment is late or missing, contact Hartford's claims department with your claim number and the date the payment should have arrived. Delays sometimes happen due to payroll processing issues or missing information, and Hartford can investigate and resend a payment if there was an error.

Taxes and Your Short-Term Disability Payments

Whether your Hartford payments are taxable depends on who paid the premiums for your coverage. If your employer paid the entire premium, your short-term disability payments are taxable income and Hartford will send you a 1099 form at tax time. If you paid the premiums yourself with after-tax dollars, the payments are usually not taxable. If you and your employer shared the cost, only the portion attributable to your employer's contribution is taxable.

Ask your employer's benefits department or your tax preparer which situation applies to you. This affects how much you owe in taxes and whether you need to make estimated tax payments while receiving benefits. Some people are surprised by a large tax bill at the end of the year if they did not plan for taxes on their disability payments.

What Stops Your Weekly Payments

Your Hartford short-term disability payments end when one of these things happens: you return to work, your doctor clears you to work, your condition improves enough that you no longer meet the definition of disabled under your plan, or you reach the end of your benefit period. Most Hartford short-term plans cover between 13 and 26 weeks of disability, though some cover up to 52 weeks depending on your employer's choice.

Hartford will notify you in writing when your benefits are ending. If you disagree with Hartford's decision to stop payments, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process usually involves submitting additional medical evidence showing that you remain unable to work. Your employer's benefits department can explain the appeal procedure for your specific plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hartford change my weekly payment amount while I am receiving benefits?

No, your weekly payment amount is set when your claim is approved and does not change during your benefit period. However, if you return to work part-time and your plan includes partial disability benefits, your payment may be reduced to reflect your partial earnings. The amount is recalculated based on your new part-time pay.

What if I miss a payment or it is late?

Contact Hartford's claims department when ready with your claim number and the date you expected payment. Late payments are sometimes due to missing information, address changes, or payroll processing delays. Hartford can investigate and resend the payment if there was an error on their end.

Do I have to repay Hartford if I receive a settlement or lawsuit award while on disability?

Many Hartford plans include a subrogation clause, meaning Hartford can recover a portion of what they paid you if you receive money from a third party—such as a settlement or workers' compensation award—for the same injury or illness. Check your plan documents or ask your employer's benefits department whether subrogation applies to your coverage.

Can I receive Hartford short-term disability and workers' compensation at the same time?

This depends on your plan and your state's laws. Some Hartford plans coordinate benefits, meaning they reduce your short-term disability payment by the amount you receive from workers' compensation. Others do not coordinate. Review your plan documents or contact Hartford directly to understand how your specific coverage works.