Short-term disability benefits typically start after a waiting period known as the "elimination period," which usually ranges from 1 to 14 days following the illness or injury that prevents an employee from working. Some employers may require employees to use accrued sick days before the short-term disability benefits begin. In some cases, benefits can start on day one for accidents, but more commonly, payments begin around the eighth day after a claim is filed. The exact start time can vary depending on the specific insurance policy or employer plan. Generally, short-term disability insurance starts paying benefits within one to two weeks of a qualifying illness or injury.
In summary:
- The elimination/waiting period is usually 1 to 14 days.
- Typical benefit payments begin between day 1 (for certain accidents) to about day 8.
- Some employers require using sick days first.
- Benefits are paid for the period that the employee is unable to work, usually up to several months.
This means short-term disability starts shortly after a qualifying disability prevents work, within about a week or two of the disability onset and claim approval.
