Short Term Disability Insurance (STD) and Benefits Q&A, Part 3

As readers of my blog and website, most people know that I like to keep things light and fun. Unfortunately, the subject doesn't really have a light side and it's certainly not fun. I mean who really wants to talk about getting injured, right? So I apologize to this article is a little bit dry and boring, but I think that you'll find it very informative.

What's the difference between private short term disability coverage and federal and state programs?

Now, many people wonder what the differences between private disability coverage and state and federal disability programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability are. Well, private disability coverage does not restrict based upon income or assets and coverage varies between insurance policies. In addition, instead of providing California State Disability (SDI), some employers provide short term disability coverage instead. On the other hand, state and federal income programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are public benefits and to be eligible to receive benefits, you must meet specific requirements but you do not have to belong to a group or association. Furthermore, as long as you are legally authorized to work in California, whether you are a US citizen or not, you can qualify for disability insurance.

What happens if I am laid off or fired?

Next, there are many group, short term disability plans (such as with Aflac) that can be carried with you when you leave your job, your association or your group as long as you keep making your premium payments. Not all plans are like this, so be sure to check your plan to see if it is portable. On the other hand, if the short term disability policy does not allow you to take it with you, you must reenroll and a new program during the initial enrollment and then complete both these service wait, and pre-existing condition exclusionary once again. Because of this, it's highly suggested that if you can transfer your short term group disability plan when you leave your job or group that you continue to stay with the short term group disability plan that you are a qualified for.

How long does short term disability last?

Disabilities that last longer than 12 months are considered long-term disabilities and since some short term disabilities turned into long-term disabilities, it's very important that you make sure that you are covered with long term group disability insurance as well. It's better to have it and not needed it down to need it and not have it. In addition, there are many additional disability benefits programs provided by the state of California (SDI), or the Social Security Administration (SSDI) that may be possibly available to you depending on what benefits your employer provides and depending upon your work history. Also, you might be eligible for continuous private health coverage through COBRA, OBRA, Cal-COBRA or HIPAA. And in a few instances, you might be eligible for Medi-Cal (Medicaid) or for Medicare after waiting periods have been met. However

Finally, if you leave work or have to reduce your hours because you are ill or suffer from an injury, you might be eligible for a partial benefits if your policy states this so be sure to check your policy description for details. And because of all the confusion that can result from trying to understand policies, you should consider speaking with a counselor concerning State Disability Insurance (SDI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

I am on short term disability and I was recently terminated because I have no more sick time. I pay $20 a week through payroll and I would like to know if my employer has to pay the premium?

First of all, an employer cannot terminate you while you are on short term disability. If they want to fire you, they have to wait until you return to work from your disability to fire you and the disability cannot be the reason for letting you go. Second, you should not be charged any sick time if you qualify for a short term disability.

So my first recommendation is that you make a complaint with your state's Employment Development and be sure to ask about the family leave medical act (FMLA). They will help you take action against your employer.

Next, since it seems that you are enrolled in a voluntary short term disability which your employer is not obligated to offer, you must check your policy. They are only obligated to pay what is stated in your agreement which could be nothing or it could be up to 100%. Your employer cannot change this arrangement for just an individual such as yourself. However, they can change the arrangement for the group as a whole.

Here's more Q&A about short term disability insurance:

• What is STD coverage?
• How does one become eligible for STD insurance?
• How much do I get paid if I cannot work due to injury or sickness?
• Does STD insurance cover health coverage?
• What kind of requirements, do I need to meet for enrollment and eligibility?
• What restrictions are there with the STD coverage?
• What's the difference between private STD coverage and federal and state programs?
• What happens if I am laid off or fired?
• How long does STDlast?
• I am on STD and I was recently terminated because I have no more sick time. I pay $20 a week through payroll and I would like to know if my employer has to pay the premium?
• I purchased a Aflac STD policy seven months ago because I was told that it covers pregnancy since it can be used for maternity. I am now pregnant and am due to deliver in seven months. What are the steps I need to take to receive my benefits?
• I have a Doctor's note stating not to lift weights heavier than 15 lbs for a period of 5 weeks. Human Resources has approved the doctor's note and says I have to be on STD because my job description requires me to lift 50 lbs. However, my department head is thinking about putting me in a different role for those 5 weeks that would not require me to do heavy lifting. My questions are: 1) Can I choose STD over the desk job or is that up to my department head? 2) Is he legally allowed to keep me in the office and pay me a lower wage just to avoid paying me STD? 3) What if the desk job pays me even less than I would have gotten for STD payments?
• I was in a car accident and my neck and back suffered a sprain. I have been doing physical therapy and have not been working since for the past two months. My employer does not want to pay for anything else after four weeks of being off so if I go back to work now and still suffer from pain would my whole STD process start over?
• When I first applied for my insurance I did not apply for STD. I am now 8 months pregnant and I have already been put on leave and discovered that my employer mistakenly cancelled my insurance. They have re-enrolled me and I opted for STD as well. Then my paycheck did not have the premiums deducted so I brought it to the attention of my employer. They said I will have to be reinstated once again. Well, I may have this baby at any time, so what are my rights? If the insurance goes through, will I get paid for my maternity leave?
• I pay for my STD through work which covers me for 6 months in the event of a disability but could get additional months coverage to compliment my long-term policy which kicks in after 6 months. Does the premium you pay for a Short-Term group plan cost more if you choose a plan when applying for coverage with a longer duration of coverage, since the insurance company would be taking a greater financial risk having to pay you for additional months?
• My employer does not offer STD insurance. Anybody know of good insurance companies that offer INDIVIDUAL STD insurance? I want to purchase my own, personal disability insurance before I have my baby in six months. Do you have any recommendations?