How Long Is Short-Term Disability?
When life takes an unexpected turn – an injury, illness, or medical condition—it can leave you wondering how will I pay my bills if I can’t work? That’s where short-term disability insurance steps in. But one of the most common and important questions people ask is: how long is short-term disability? The answer can vary depending on your policy, your employer, and your recovery timeline. This blog breaks down the basics of short-term disability, how long coverage typically lasts, and what to expect during the process. This guide is here to help.
What is Short-Term Disability (“STD”)?
It is a benefit that is intended to supplement your income for a “short” period if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. As the name suggests, STD benefits are finite and can span from 8 weeks to 6 months depending on your policy.
How long is Short-Term Disability?
STD benefits can be up to a maximum of 8 weeks, 17 weeks, 26 weeks or 2 years. If you’re unsure how long your STD benefits are covered for, check your policy! Your employers group benefits policy will provide you with the maximum STD benefit period.
Remember to check the benefit amount as well. The benefit may differ depending on how long the STD benefit is being paid for. For example, if your STD policy covers you for a maximum of 8 weeks, your benefit might cover 100% of your income for the first 4 weeks and then drop to 66.67% for the remaining 4 weeks. It’s important to check the paperwork so you’re not surprised if there is a sudden drop in payments.
What happens if my STD benefits run out?
If the STD period has lapsed and you are still unable to return to work, you should apply for long-term disability (“LTD”). If your STD and LTD provider are the same insurance company, the insurer should transition your STD application to LTD.
If you have two different insurance companies for STD and LTD, you will need to make an LTD application if your STD period is up.
Can I go back to work before my STD benefits run out?
In short, you can but it is important to have approval from your medical practitioners. Employers will often want clearance from your doctors in allowing you to return to work. Your insurer’s case manager is not a medical professional so don’t be pressured to return to work if you are medically unfit (even if your insurance company is forcing you to).
Do I automatically qualify for LTD if STD ends?
Not always. The definition of disability for your STD vs LTD policy is different so the insurer will get an LTD case manager involved if your STD period has lapsed. Depending on your condition, the benefits may automatically transition to LTD but that is not always the case.
How can short-term and long-term disability lawyers help you?
Short-term disability can offer crucial financial relief when you need it most—but understanding how it works, especially how long short-term disability lasts, puts you in control during uncertain time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, the disability lawyers at Whitten & Lublin are here to help— take the first step toward protecting your income and your peace of mind. We offer free consultations for short and long-term disability claims. Book now online or call 416 640 2667.
Author – Aman Chaggar