Short Term Disability Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does short term disability insurance last?

It is typically 3, 6, 12, or 24 months, which you select when you purchase the policy.  That is what is known as the benefit period (How long the benefit will pay up to per disability).  Then you have an elimination period, which is the time at the beginning of a disability when benefits are not paid – usually 7, 14, or 30 days.  So if a doctor puts you out of work for 2 months you are going to get 46 days of total benefit.

2. What does short term disability insurance cover?

Accidents, injuries, sickness, and pregnancy.

3. How much does disability insurance pay?

Generally up to 60% of your gross income if you are a W2 employee, or 60% of your net income if you’re self employed. 

4. How much does disability insurance cover?

Typically disability insurance covers your lost wages ups to 60% of your gross income or net self employment income.

5. Does disability insurance cover maternity leave?

eSupplemental offers maternity plans for specific occupations like healthcare or federal employees that covers a normal pregnancy.  Click here to submit a brief application to see if you qualify. 

6. Does short term disability cover pregnancy?

Same as above.

7. How long is short term disability insurance?

You can purchase a short term disability policy form 3 to 24 months, anything longer than that is considered long term disability.

8. Should I buy short term disability insurance?

Besides health insurance, short term disability insurance is one of the most important coverages you should have, because it’s protecting your paycheck.  Ask yourself if you were not able to work…how would you pay your bills?  Short term disability insurance helps you pay your “have to” bills (Mortgage, rent, car, gas & electric, water, etc…)

9. Who pays for disability insurance?

Typically the policy holder.  In certain cases your employer may offer it as an employer benefit.  Check with your employer to see if this is offered.

10. Do I need short term disability insurance?

The best way to answer this is with a question.  “Do you have a way to pay your bills if you are not able to work?”  If the answer is no, short term disability insurance may be a good idea to help you cover your expenses until you can get back to work.

11. Where can I buy short term disability insurance?

Through a licensed insurance broker or through an employer.  eSupplemental.com shops top rated insurance carriers for short term disability insurance coverage.

12. What is covered under short term disability insurance?

Short term disability insurance covers a percentage of your lost wages if you are unable to work for a specific period of time.  This can be anywhere from 3 – 24 months.

13. Can I buy my own short term disability insurance?

You can purchase short term disability insurance on a direct basis outside of an employer.  eSupplemental will shop all of the direct carriers to find you the best possible options.

14. Can you purchase short term disability insurance on your own?

Yes, you can purchase short term disability insurance on your own, you do not need to go through your employer.

15. How long do I have to have a short term disability policy before it pays?

Generally 30 days and for some situations like a pregnancy it’s typically 10 months.  Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered.  Some policies will cover pre-existing conditions after a specific period of time.  It’s kind of like car insurance…let’s say you get in a car without car insurance, and have an accident.  If you call the car insurance company and say you now need insurance they will turn you down.  In other words, insurance is meant for the unknown not for the known.

16. Does short term disability cover paternity leave?

Not at this time.