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Employee Benefits

Disability coverage that protects income when an employee can’t work.

An illness or injury that keeps someone out of work for weeks or months can be financially devastating without income protection. Disability coverage helps employees weather it.

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The Basics

How short-term and long-term disability work together.

Short-term disability (STD) replaces a portion of income for a limited period, typically a few weeks to six months, after a non-work-related illness or injury. Long-term disability (LTD) picks up after STD ends, providing income replacement for longer, sometimes multi-year, absences.

Together, the two coverages create a continuous safety net so an employee facing a serious health event doesn’t lose their income entirely while they recover.

  • Replaces a portion of income during a covered disability
  • STD and LTD work together to cover both short and extended absences
  • Helps employees stay financially stable during recovery
  • Increasingly viewed as a standard, expected benefit

Typical Coverage Periods

  • • STD: days to 6 months
  • • LTD: 6 months and beyond
  • • Benefit typically 50-66% of salary
  • • Elimination periods vary by plan
What’s Included

Core elements of disability coverage

Short-Term Disability

Income replacement for the initial period of a qualifying illness or injury.

Long-Term Disability

Extended income replacement for disabilities lasting beyond the STD period.

Elimination Period

The waiting period before benefits begin, which affects premium cost.

Benefit Percentage

The portion of salary replaced, commonly 50 to 66 percent.

Own-Occupation Definition

Plans that pay if you can’t do your specific job, not just any job.

Return-to-Work Provisions

Support and partial benefits as an employee transitions back to work.

Common Questions

Disability FAQs

What’s the difference between STD and LTD?
STD covers a shorter initial period after a disability begins, while LTD takes over for longer absences, sometimes lasting years.
Does disability cover work-related injuries?
No, workplace injuries are generally handled through workers’ compensation. Disability coverage is for non-work-related illness and injury.
Is disability coverage paid by the employer or employee?
It varies. Some employers cover the full cost, others split it, and some offer it as a voluntary, employee-paid benefit.

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