what is short term disability insurance

Short-term disability insurance is an income replacement benefit that provides a percentage of pre-disability earnings on a weekly basis when employees are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. It typically covers off-the-job accidents and illnesses that workers' compensation would not cover. The most common reasons for a short-term disability claim are accidents, injuries, illnesses, and pregnancy/maternity leave. Short-term disability insurance typically covers a term between 3-6 months and starts paying benefits within one to two weeks of a qualifying illness or injury