Short Term Disability
Short-term disability insurance (STD) replaces part of your income if a covered illness or injury keeps you from working for a limited time—typically 3–6 months, sometimes up to 12. We help clients nationwide compare carriers and policy designs so your paycheck protection fits your budget and timeline.
Get a Short-Term Disability Quote
Compare benefit amounts, waiting periods, and pricing across top carriers—fast, unbiased, nationwide.
Short-term disability basics
- Benefit amount: Typically replaces 50%–70% of your gross income up to a weekly/monthly cap.
- Elimination (waiting) period: Commonly 7–14 days for illness; sometimes 0–7 days for accidents.
- Benefit duration: Often 13 or 26 weeks; some plans extend to 52 weeks.
- What it covers: Income loss from a covered off-the-job illness or injury per your policy’s definitions.
- Not covered: Maternity and childbirth are not covered under our short-term disability offerings.
Short-term disability vs. long-term disability
| Feature | Short-Term Disability (STD) | Long-Term Disability (LTD) |
|---|---|---|
| When it pays | Weeks to months | Months to years (often to SSNRA) |
| Elimination period | 0–14 days typical | 60–180 days typical |
| Income replacement | 50%–70% | 50%–60% (sometimes 70%) |
| Best use | Short recovery from covered illness/injury | Serious or extended impairments |
Taxes on short-term disability benefits
- Employer-paid premium: Benefits are generally taxable.
- Employee post-tax premium: Benefits are typically tax-free.
- Pre-tax payroll deductions: All or part of the benefit may be taxable—confirm with HR or a tax professional.
Self-employed and 1099 workers
No employer plan? An individual STD policy can protect income during short health events and dovetail with an LTD plan for catastrophic scenarios. We’ll compare carriers that work well with variable earnings and documentation.
Common exclusions and limitations
- Work-related injuries (typically covered by workers’ compensation)
- Elective/cosmetic procedures not medically necessary
- Pre-existing condition limitations during the initial policy period
- Maternity/childbirth (not covered under our STD plans)
How to choose the right STD policy
- Match benefit to fixed bills: Mortgage/rent, utilities, childcare, groceries.
- Align waiting period with PTO: Start benefits when paid leave ends.
- Review definitions: Ensure clear “disability” definitions and any partial/return-to-work features.
- Coordinate with LTD: Aim for STD to bridge to your LTD elimination period.
Helpful resources
FAQs: Short-Term Disability Insurance
What does short-term disability insurance cover?
STD typically covers income loss from a covered off-the-job illness or injury as defined by the policy. Our offerings do not include maternity/childbirth coverage.
How much of my income does STD replace?
Most policies replace about 50%–70% of gross income, up to a weekly or monthly maximum set by the carrier.
How long do short-term disability benefits last?
Benefit periods are commonly 13 or 26 weeks; some plans extend up to 52 weeks depending on carrier and policy design.
Are short-term disability benefits taxable?
If your employer pays the premium, benefits are generally taxable. If you pay with post-tax dollars, benefits are typically tax-free. Pre-tax payroll deductions can make benefits taxable—confirm with HR or a tax professional.
Does this policy cover maternity or childbirth?
No. Short-term disability offerings do not include maternity or childbirth coverage.
Can self-employed or gig workers get STD coverage?
Yes. Individual STD policies are available for self-employed and 1099 workers and can be coordinated with long-term disability for broader protection.
How should I choose the elimination (waiting) period?
Align the waiting period with your paid time off or emergency fund so benefits begin when your pay stops. Common waits are 7–14 days for illness and 0–7 days for accidents.
What’s the difference between STD and LTD?
STD pays for short durations—weeks to months—with a short waiting period. LTD covers longer impairments—months to years—with a longer waiting period and typically 50%–60% income replacement.
Schedule A Free Consultation
We help clients nationwide—availability and features vary by carrier and state.
Protect your paycheck with Short-Term Disability
We’ll compare multiple carriers, explain tax trade-offs, and align STD with your PTO and LTD.
Prefer to talk? Call 800-533-5969
