6 Eligibility Requirements to Get Short-Term Disability Benefits

Disability insurance is an important tool for professionals looking to safeguard their income. Anyone who suffers an injury that results in an inability to work will be able to apply for short-term disability benefits. Before you apply, it is a good idea to have a firm understanding of the eligibility requirements. We have put together a list of the 6 most common short-term disability eligibility requirements in most states.

Understand What Qualifies

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It doesn’t matter if you have Ama disability insurance or coverage from another provider, understanding what actually qualifies is the first step. Injuries or ailments that prevent you from managing your regular job and those that have a signed evaluation from a medical professional may qualify. Some common injuries and illnesses are depression, maternity leave, long-haul COVID, and surgery rehab among others.

Meet The Lost Wages Threshold

In most states, or at least for most short-term disability policies, there is a threshold for lost wages that must be met. The minimum is typically $300 in lost wages but this amount may be higher depending on the state.

Remain Under The Care of a Medical Professional

Simply filing a claim without medical support will result in a denial of benefits. A person must be under the care of a licensed and trained medical professional within the first 8 days of their disability in order to qualify. In order to maintain eligibility, a person must continue receiving care in order to keep getting short-term disability benefits.

Meet the Days Worked Threshold

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In order to be eligible for short-term disability benefits a person will need to have worked for a certain period of time. The actual timeframe will vary from state to state and from policy to policy. However, the general time frame for benefit eligibility will be anywhere from 30 to 180 days.

The Disability Must Not Be Work Related

Short-term disability insurance is for those who are unable to perform their job, but not for those who got hurt on the job. Working with a personal injury lawyer is the best way to get fair compensation for on-the-job accidents. Ailments such as mental illness or C-section recovery are just two examples of many that qualify.

Provide Detailed Medical Records

Though most people who plan to file a short-term disability claim will be under the care of a doctor, it is important to collect records. Submitting detailed medical records of the initial injury, the resulting treatment, and any ongoing care is critical to eligibility. Without proper documentation, claims may be delayed or denied.

Short-Term Disability Coverage When You Need It Most

In most cases, filing a short-term disability claim is straightforward. Simple claims are more affordable for insurance companies to process, and there is also less paperwork. Each state and provider will have their own additional requirements, so make sure to check the policy prior to filing. However, if you feel that your claim is not being addressed properly, the option of hiring a disability lawyer is always available to ensure your rights are protected.