{"id":352952,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:31","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/long-term-vs-short-term-disability-insurance.html"},"modified":"2024-12-03T13:10:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T18:10:00","slug":"long-term-vs-short-term-disability-insurance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/long-term-vs-short-term-disability-insurance.html","title":{"rendered":"Long Term vs. Short Term Disability Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Long Term vs. Short Term Disability Insurance<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Ty McDuffey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Disability insurance often has two main types: short-term and long-term. The main difference between these two types is the duration of disability coverage<\/span>. The type of benefits package<\/span> and the amount of time<\/span> it covers can have several implications.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Short-term disability insurance<\/span> provides financial support for a short period. The duration often ranges from a few weeks to months.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, long-term disability insurance<\/span> provides coverage for a significantly longer period. It addresses serious illnesses<\/span> that have a lasting impact. In some cases, the duration of coverage for long-term disability insurance<\/span> lasts until retirement age<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article compares long-term and short-term disability insurance policies. If you need help with a disability claim, discuss your policy and legal options with a disability law attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What Is Disability Insurance?<\/h2>\n

Disability insurance is an insurance policy that offers income replacement<\/span> when a person can\u2019t work due to an illness or injury. You may get disability coverage<\/span> through an employer-sponsored<\/span> insurance plan<\/span><\/a> or your own individual policy<\/span>. These private plans differ from Social Security<\/span> Disability Insurance<\/span><\/a> (SSDI), which is a public program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some disability insurance policies<\/a> cover workers for a short <\/span>period of time<\/span>. These are short-term <\/span>disability benefits<\/span>. Others, like long-term <\/span>disability benefits<\/span>, provide stable benefits for an extended period.<\/p>\n

Differences Between Short-Term and Long-Term Disability<\/h2>\n

While the duration of benefits is a key difference, that\u2019s not the only factor to consider.<\/p>\n

Another difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance<\/span> is how the policy activates. Short-term disability insurance<\/span> provides coverage almost immediately after a qualifying event. Meanwhile, long-term disability insurance<\/span> often requires more rigorous medical documentation<\/a> due to its extended coverage.<\/p>\n

The premium payments for each type of insurance coverage may also vary. For short-term disability insurance<\/span>, the premium payment often ranges from 1 \u2013 3% of the employee\u2019s yearly earnings. On the other hand, for long-term disability insurance<\/span>, the premium payment costs range between 1 \u2013 6%. Choosing what type of disability insurance<\/span> to get often depends on your needs and financial situation.<\/p>\n

Below is a quick overview of long-term disability insurance<\/span>:<\/p>\n