Notifications from Aflac

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

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties affected by the Lightning ignited fires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 2, 2025, and ending Nov. 18, 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 Utah policyholders residing in Utah who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 31, 2025, and ending Sept. 29, 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 weather:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Humboldt, Mendocino, Modoc, Napa, Shasta, Sonoma, and Trinity Counties affected by the winter storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Jan. 31, 2025, and ending Sept. 29, 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 Oregon policyholders residing in Oregon who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 16, 2025, and ending Sept. 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 Oregon policyholders residing in Crook County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 12, 2025, and ending Sept. 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.


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

To provide relief for New Mexico policyholiders and/or certificate holders residing in Grant County and affected by the Trout Fire, Aflac will provide the following protections for policyholders and/or certificate holders: Provide an extended premium grace period from Thursday, Jun. 12, 2025 through Monday, Sep. 15, 2025. Offer policyholders and/or certificate holders a payment plan of no less than six (6) months if unable to pay the delinquency after the extended day grace period (This applies to all coverages except life.). Work with policyholders and/or certificate holders on premium payments to prevent lapse and cancellation of policies. Waive late fees and penalties. Waive early refill time limits on active prescriptions. Allow additional time for actions required under the policy and/or certificate and the submission of documents due to limited access to service and mobility. Provide an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy and/or certificate. Provide a copy of the policy and/or certificate to the policyholder and/or certificate holder upon request.

In addition to the above, Aflac through Aflac Benefits Solutions will provide the following protections for Network Dental and Vision members and providers: Waive cost sharing and deductibles. Permit one eyeglass or contact lens replacement and one hearing aid replacement during the pendency of the Emergency Order, waiving frequency limitations. Permit one replacement for dentures or other prosthodontic devices during the pendency of this Emergency Order, waiving frequency limits. Waive additional fees, charges, referrals, eligibility and prior authorization requirements for medically necessary services, whether emergent or not. This applies to benefits and services obtained from both in- and out-of-network providers. Extend medical providers' reporting requirements for claims submissions and for additional information relating to claims. Fully reimburse out-of-network providers at the usual, customary, and reasonable rate.

Affected members should contact Aflac Dental and Vision (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.


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

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Trinity County affected by the Dec. 15, 2024, and Dec. 29, 2024, winter storms, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, 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. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. 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 levee failure:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in San Joaquin County affected by the Oct. 21, 2024, Victoria Island Levee failure, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, 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. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. 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 billing leniency for impacted insureds, 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. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. 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.


New messages from Aflac | View Notifications opens a dialog Close X dismisses the notification alert

How Much Does Short-Term Disability Cost?

If you sustain a non-job-related injury, illness, or other medical issue that prevents you from being able to work for a limited time, short-term disability may come in handy. It can help alleviate the financial burden you and your family might experience while you’re at home and recovering. Here’s a closer look at how short-term disability works and how much it costs.

4 Min Read

How short-term disability insurance works

Short-term disability insurance offers temporary coverage when you’re injured or facing an illness or condition that makes it difficult for you to work. It’s usually offered by your employer through an insurance company, such as Aflac.

In exchange for monthly premiums by you or your employer, you’ll receive benefit payments between 40 to 70% of your salary. While every policy is different, most of them come with a benefit period that lasts between three and six months.1 Some examples of the types of situations where you might use short-term disability insurance include accidents, back injuries, and maternity leave.

Short-term disability policy features

Here are some common features of short-term disability insurance:

Benefit amount

Typically, short-term disability insurance pays up to 70% of your monthly income.1 The length of coverage and type of disabilities covered will depend on your policy.2

Elimination period

Also known as the waiting period, the elimination period refers to the amount of time you must wait for short-term disability insurance to kick in once you face an injury or disability. Elimination periods vary but may last from 7 to 30 days.3

Type of coverage

The type of coverage you have can depend on the premiums you or your employer pays. In general, cheaper premiums result in lower coverage.

Premiums

You should expect to pay between 1% and 3% of your income for short-term disability insurance.3 You’ll receive up to 70% of your monthly income in coverage.1

Riders

A rider is an optional add-on that can customize your coverage. Some riders will cost extra while others will be included at no charge.3

Aflac duck with wings out

Peace of mind doesn't have to break the bank

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.

Get Started

Short-term disability cost

Here are sample quotes based on a 14-day elimination period with a 26-week benefit period for healthy, non-smokers in TX. From this example, you can get a look at how much you might pay for short-term disability based on this sample criteria:3

Office Job Manual Job
25-year-old male with $750 per week in benefits $31 $65
35-year-old female with $750 per week in benefits $70 $151
35-year-old female with $1,000 per week in benefits $93 $199
45-year-old male with $1,000 per week in benefits $82 $178

Factors that affect the cost of short-term disability insurance

There are several factors that can impact your short-term disability premiums, including:3

Age

Your health typically declines with age and increases your risk of illness or injury. Therefore, the older you are, the more you’ll pay for a short-term disability policy.

Gender

Women tend to file more claims for issues like pregnancy and mental health.3 For this reason, you might notice higher premiums if you’re a woman. But it’s important to note that rates for men will rise faster than rates for women as they get older.

Health

You may be considered a risky policyholder if you have a pre-existing condition, a family history of chronic diseases, or smoke. As a result, short-term disability insurance will cost you more than it would if you are a healthy non-smoker.

Occupation

Some occupations are more dangerous than others. If you’re a truck driver or construction worker, for example, you’ll have to pay higher premiums than someone with a desk job.

Income

The amount you earn on a monthly and yearly basis matters. Your rates will be higher if your income is higher.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle can play a role in the cost of your short-term disability insurance. For example, if you engage in risky activities like skydiving, you’ll pay more for a policy than if you had a less active lifestyle.

How to save money on short-term disability insurance

To lock in the best possible deal on short-term disability insurance, consider these tips:

Get a policy while you’re young

Don’t wait to apply for short-term disability. Apply for a policy as soon as possible, as rates will likely increase as you age.

Elect a longer elimination period

As mentioned before, elimination periods may last up to 30 days.3 The longer the elimination period you choose, the more affordable your policy will be.

Choose a lower-income replacement percentage

Short-term disability pays out a certain percentage of your monthly income that depends on the type of policy you have. If you opt for a lower income percentage, you’ll be able to save some cash.

Choose a shorter benefit period

A benefit period for a short-term disability policy is usually between three to 12 months.3 A shorter benefit period will lead to lower premiums.

Get a quote for short-term disability from Aflac

Short-term disability insurance can be a real lifesaver if an illness, injury, or condition prevents you from being able to work. If you’re looking for a policy, Aflac offers affordable short-term disability insurance that you can get through your employer.

With short-term disability, you’ll be able to focus on recovery and won’t have to worry about your finances. Additionally, we offer guaranteed-issue plans that can allow you to skip the medical exam, depending on your condition and where you live. Reach out to an agent today to learn more about our short-term disability coverage options.

Get Started

Learn more about Aflac products for Individuals & Families: