How Does Short-Term Disability Work and What Qualifies?

What qualifies for short-term disability?

The main qualifier for short-term disability coverage is if the incident temporarily puts you out of work. However, it can be useful to review circumstances that are not covered by short-term disability insurance:

• If you lose your license to work²
• If you are unable to work due to a war²
• If you get injured due to active participation in a riot or protest²
• If the injury is self-inflicted²
• If you committed a crime and are in prison or jail²
• If you have a pre-existing condition¹

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?

The amount of time short-term disability lasts depends on how each plan works, but periods of time can range from a few months to over a year. At Aflac, we can help provide income relief for up to 24 months. If your injury or illness lasts longer than three months, you may want to consider a different kind of insurance that provides more long-term coverage. Luckily, you have many options with Aflac:

• Cancer Insurance: This type of insurance plan is designed to help with the physical and emotional costs of a cancer diagnosis.
• 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 high costs of hospital stays.

Short-term vs. long-term disability insurance

Short-term disability insurance is designed to offer coverage for a short period of time after an injury. 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 offer income replacement after your short-term disability coverage has ended if your injury still prevents you from working.

Benefits of short-term disability insurance

Here are some key benefits short-term disability insurance offers:

• 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 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 occurs.

How to apply for short-term disability insurance

The process for applying for short-term disability insurance coverage with Aflac is easy to understand.

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 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.