Short-term disability is a type of government-run insurance or employer benefit that gives you income replacement for a temporary period when you are unable to work due to a covered illness, injury, or medical condition.

Its benefits typically last for a few weeks up to a few months, offering partial financial support during this time, as you recover from the temporary health condition or injury.

It’s important to note that short-term disability is different and separate from long-term disability, which can include federal, state or employer benefits.

In the United States, some but not all states offer government-run short-term disability programs to those who are eligible.

For example, California employees are eligible for up to 52 weeks (nearly an entire year) of short-term disability.

Meanwhile:

  • New York and New Jersey offer up to 26 weeks.
  • Rhode Island offers up to 30 weeks.
  • Oregon offers up to 13 weeks for new injuries or illnesses and 4 weeks for preexisting conditions.
  • Washington, Hawaii, Puerto Rico (a territory), and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) also provide short-term disability programs.
  • Other states provide short term disability insurance through their paid family medical leave (PFML) programs.

Eligibility criteria for these state programs varies, but typically requires employees to have:

  • paid into the state disability insurance program through payroll deductions
  • a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy-related condition that prevents you from working
  • met your state’s specific requirements for disability duration, which may range from a few days to a few months
  • documentation supporting your inability to work

Next Steps

It’s important to check with your specific state’s department of labor or disability insurance agency website to determine your options and the requirements.

Additionally, many employers offer short-term disability insurance as part of their employee benefits package, often lasting between 6 and 12 months.

This coverage is often provided by private insurance companies and is designed to replace part of your income for a limited time if you are unable to work due to a covered disability. Typically, an employer will provide coverage up to a specific amount and give you the ability to purchase extended coverage during your open enrollment period.

These private plans vary significantly based on the employer and the insurance provider.

Next Steps

Check with your employer or your employer’s human resources department for your specific offerings.

State-run program

To apply for a state-run temporary disability claim, start by reviewing your state’s specific eligibility criteria and make sure you meet the requirements related to employment, earnings, and medical condition or injury. Then:

  1. Collect the required documents, such as medical records and employer information.
  2. Complete the application form on your state’s department of labor or disability insurance agency website.
  3. Submit the completed form along with the required documents through the method outlined by your state program. This may be online, mail, fax, or in person.
  4. Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation and await the decision, which could take up to several weeks or longer.

If approved, you’ll start receiving temporary disability benefits based on your state’s guidelines.

Employer-run program

To apply for an employer-run temporary disability claim, start by notifying your employer of your illness or injury and your need to apply for temporary disability benefits. Then:

  1. Request and complete the temporary disability claim forms from your employer’s human resources department or benefits administrator.
  2. Include required medical records, doctor’s notes, or other supporting documentation with your claim forms. These documents need to support your eligibility for benefits.
  3. Submit the completed claim forms and supporting documentation to the person or department within your organization.
  4. Be prepared to provide additional information and wait for your employer or the insurance provider to review your claim and make a decision regarding your eligibility.

If your claim is approved, you will begin receiving temporary disability benefits based on your employer’s policy and the terms of the disability insurance plan.

Short-term disability insurance programs vary on factors, such as the U.S. state in which you work, your employer-sponsored program and whether you purchased option add-ons to that benefit.

Additionally, if you live and work in a state without state-mandated programs ad your employer does not offer this benefit, consider purchasing private disability insurance directly from an insurance provider.

However, keep in mind that in all instances, you must have an active benefit or policy before you can submit a claim.