Short-Term Disability
Wage replacement for temporary medical conditions
What is Short-Term Disability?
Short-term disability (STD) provides wage replacement when an employee cannot work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or medical condition. Unlike FMLA which provides job protection, STD provides income replacement. Several states have mandatory temporary disability insurance programs.
Federal Requirements
No federal short-term disability requirement. ADA requires reasonable accommodations which may include modified schedules or leave.
State-by-State Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- •Medical certification of inability to work
- •Meet state program requirements (if applicable)
- •Meet employer policy requirements (if voluntary plan)
- •Typically a waiting period (0-14 days) before benefits begin
Employer Obligations
- ⚠️Provide state-mandated disability insurance where required
- ⚠️Process claims appropriately
- ⚠️Coordinate with FMLA and other leave types
- ⚠️Maintain confidentiality of medical information
Employee Rights
- ✓File claim for qualifying medical condition
- ✓Receive benefit payments per plan terms
- ✓Confidentiality of medical information
- ✓Protection under ADA for disabilities
Best Practices for Employers
- 💡Offer STD insurance even if not state-required
- 💡Coordinate STD with FMLA for seamless administration
- 💡Use third-party administrator for claims
- 💡Communicate process clearly to employees
- 💡Have return-to-work programs ready
Frequently Asked Questions
What does short-term disability cover?
STD covers temporary medical conditions that prevent you from working, including illness, injury, surgery recovery, and pregnancy-related medical conditions.
How much does short-term disability pay?
Typically 50-70% of your regular salary, up to a cap. State programs and employer plans vary. Benefits usually begin after a waiting period.
Is short-term disability the same as FMLA?
No. FMLA provides job protection (unpaid). STD provides income replacement. They often run concurrently - FMLA protects your job while STD provides income during medical leave.
How long does short-term disability last?
Most short-term disability benefits last between 13 and 26 weeks, though some plans and state programs extend up to 52 weeks. Benefits usually begin after a short waiting (elimination) period of 0–14 days and continue until you recover, your benefit period ends, or you transition to long-term disability.
Can I take short-term disability without FMLA?
Yes. Short-term disability and FMLA are independent. You can receive STD wage-replacement benefits even if you are not eligible for FMLA (for example, at a small employer or before meeting FMLA’s 12-month/1,250-hour threshold). Keep in mind that without FMLA or a comparable state law, your job may not be legally protected during the leave.
Does short-term disability cover pregnancy and maternity leave?
Typically yes. Most short-term disability plans and state programs cover the medical recovery period around childbirth — commonly about 6 weeks for a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks for a cesarean. STD replaces part of your income during that recovery but is separate from any bonding leave provided under FMLA or a state paid family leave program.
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