Notifications from Aflac

We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Santa Cruz County who were affected by the coastal storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Dec. 23, 2024, and ending Apr. 15, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Jan. 7, 2025, and ending Mar. 10, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


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How Does Short-Term Disability Work and What Qualifies?

Short-term disability insurance can help protect your income if you’re unable to work. Learn how short-term disability works and what it covers.

4 Min Read

How does short-term disability work?

Short-term disability insurance pays cash benefits for covered injuries or illnesses (subject to exclusions and limitations). Payments can be used as needed – to help with medical bills, recovery expenses or even to help you pay for rent or groceries. This may be particularly helpful if others depend on your income or if you have outstanding bills to pay. Aflac offers short-term disability insurance with extensive coverage and reasonable premiums.

Short-term disability insurance is a particular kind of insurance designed to help protect a portion of your income for a short period of time, if a covered injury or illness briefly prevents you from earning a wage.1

How each short-term disability insurance plan works varies from company to company. At Aflac, you can apply for short-term disability insurance through your employer. Payments are usually deducted from your paycheck, and you may receive benefits for covered illnesses or injuries that occur on or off-the-job. Read on to learn how short-term disability works, what qualifies, and how to apply for a policy.

Aflac Short-Term Disability Insurance pays cash benefits for covered disabilities (subject to exclusions and limitations). Payments can be used as needed – to help with medical bills, recovery expenses or even to help you pay for rent or groceries. This may be particularly helpful if others depend on your income or if you have outstanding bills to pay.

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What qualifies for short-term disability?

The main qualifier for short-term disability coverage is if a covered injury or illness temporarily puts you out of work. However, it can be useful to review circumstances that may not be covered by short-term disability insurance:2

  • If the injury is self-inflicted
  • If you are unable to work due to a war
  • If you have a pre-existing condition
  • If the injury is work-related
  • If you committed a crime and are in prison or jail

We recognize that understanding the qualifications of each short-term disability insurance plan is important. In addition to reviewing the limitations and exclusions in each plan, it can be helpful to consider your budget for a short-term disability insurance plan and how long you are able to stay afloat without income.

How Long Does Short-Term Disability Insurance Last?

Every short-term disability insurance plan has its own benefit period. While several months is typical, some plans offer benefits for as long as a year. If you'd like long-term coverage, you'll need to invest in a long-term disability plan. Luckily, you have many options with Aflac:

  • Cancer Insurance: This type of insurance plan is designed to help ease the financial burden while you focus on healing.
  • Critical Illness Insurance: This insurance can help cover costs related to a covered life-changing event, like a heart attack or stroke.
  • Hospital Insurance: Hospital insurance can help with the costs of hospital stays.

Short-term vs. long-term disability insurance

Short-term disability insurance is designed to help offer coverage for a short period of time after a covered injury or illness. The amount of time varies depending on the type of plan you have and the insurance company, but you may receive coverage for a few months. Long-term disability insurance, on the other hand, can help offer income replacement after your short-term disability coverage has ended and your injury or illness still prevents you from working.

Benefits of short-term disability insurance

Here are some key benefits short-term disability insurance can offer:

  • Affordable premiums: Premiums for short-term disability are typically reasonable and can fit most budgets.

  • Cover any expenses: You can use short-term disability payments to help cover any costs, from bills and groceries to childcare.

  • Peace of mind: With short-term disability insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing you may be covered if an unexpected injury or illness occurs.

How to apply for short-term disability insurance

The process for applying for short-term disability insurance coverage with Aflac can be an easy process.

If your employer does not currently offer short-term disability insurance, but you think it would benefit you and your coworkers, we recommend starting the conversation today. If you are an employer and don’t have this plan accessible, offering short-term disability coverage can be a great way to help your employees feel better protected.

Aflac Offers Short-Term Disability Insurance

Every short-term disability plan is different. The duration of coverage, the cash benefits offered, and the limitations and exclusions can vary from company to company. We recommend exploring all your options before deciding.

Depending on your location and condition, Aflac offers guaranteed-issue options for short-term disability insurance, meaning you may be able to skip the medical exam and still receive coverage. Begin exploring your short-term disability coverage options today with our affordable and flexible insurance plans.

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Learn more about Aflac products for Individuals & Families: