Short-term disability is an important consideration for workers. If you receive this voluntary insurance, you can receive a portion of your pay if you miss work due to a job-related medical issue. This ensures you can get money while you take time off to recover.
Questions persist about short-term disability, how it works, and how to use it. Now, let’s answer some of the biggest questions surrounding this topic.
What Is Short-Term Disability Exactly?
Short-term disability is a type of insurance you can get through your employer. The insurance entitles you to a percentage of your pay if you experience an on-the-job injury, illness, or other medical problem.
For instance, consider what happens if you suffer a workplace injury and have this insurance. In this scenario, your employer will pay a portion of your salary while you recover. Once you fully recover and return to work, you can start earning your full salary again.
Does Every Employee Receive This Type of Insurance?
Employers in the following U.S. states and territories require employers to provide their workers with this type of insurance:
- California
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island
- Puerto Rico
Employers in other states are not required to offer short-term disability insurance. However, many do so. This fosters goodwill with workers. It also helps make these employers more attractive to quality job candidates.
How Long Does Short-Term Disability Insurance Last?
The length of time you can receive disability benefits varies based on the job-related injury, illness, or medical issues. In some instances, a worker can receive only 30 days of coverage. At other times, a worker may receive up to a year’s worth of coverage.
If your employer offers short-term disability coverage, review the terms and conditions associated with it carefully. That way, you can find out how much coverage you’ll receive if you experience an on-the-job medical issue that keeps you out of work.
What’s Covered with Short-Term Disability Insurance?
The coverage is plan- or policy-specific. To find out what’s included as part of your short-term disability insurance, consult with your employer.
How Much Money Will I Get While I’m Unable to Work?
There is a percentage given to an employee who uses their insurance. The percentage is usually 50-60% of the worker’s weekly earnings.
With short-term disability coverage, an employee may be paid through an insurance company. Thus, the payment schedule for your disability coverage may differ from your typical work pay schedule.
How Can I Find an Employer That Offers Short-Term Disability Coverage?
Conduct an extensive search of employers in your industry. As you complete job interviews, you can learn about the benefits that employers offer. If an employer provides short-term disability insurance, you may want to consider accepting a role from it.
Lastly, Ascend Staffing can put you in touch with top employers in your sector. Our professional recruiters can help you find a job with a company that offers a terrific benefits package and other perks. To get started, browse our job board today!
