Short-Term Disability Insurance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

 Aflac's Short-Term Disability Insurance is a way to help protect yourself and your family against the financial burden of a disability. It pays cash benefits directly to you, unless assigned, and you can use the money to help with everyday living expenses. STD provides two options: core benefit plan and optional accident rider.

What is Short-Term Disability Insurance?

Short-term disability insurance is a type of disability insurance that protects you from a loss of income. It’s typically paid by the employer and lasts for a specific period of time, such as three to six months. Short-term disability insurance can help you cover your basic expenses while you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

Short-term disability insurance can be used in addition to Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Social Security Retirement Insurance (SSI). You don't have to wait until you qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits before applying for short-term disability benefits. If you qualify for these government programs, those funds will replace any short term payments from your employer.

How does Short-Term Disability Insurance work?

Short-Term Disability Insurance can help you receive a cash benefit if you’re unable to work because of an injury or illness. You may be eligible for benefits if:

• Your employer is an approved company that participates in the program. (For example, this includes many small businesses.)
• You have earned more than a minimum amount of wages while employed with an approved employer.
• Wages can include salary, commissions and bonuses as well as tips or overtime pay for non-hourly employees.

Aflac pays cash benefits directly to you, unless assigned, and you can use the money to help with everyday living expenses.

• The most convenient way for you to receive your payments is through direct deposit. You just need a bank account and routing number for direct deposit at no additional cost. If you don't have a bank account or don't want your checking account automatically charged each month, Aflac offers check by mail. 
  
• If you do not want benefits paid directly into your bank account, Aflac will mail checks directly to those who have been assigned as beneficiaries). If no one has been designated as a beneficiary in the event of death or total disability, Aflac will mail checks directly to the estate of the insured person.

Two options are available under Aflac's Short Term Disability Insurance: a core benefit plan and an optional accident rider.

The core benefit plan offers a monthly benefit depending on your age. The optional accident rider offers a higher monthly benefit if you suffer an injury that results in a disability.

When choosing between the two plans, find out which option is best for you and your situation. Your local agent can help explain the differences and answer any questions you may have about either plan.

Under the core benefit plan, you may receive up to 60 weeks of payments while on disability and up to 90 days at half pay.

The optional accident rider provides additional benefits if you are involved in an accident.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider

The optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) rider provides additional benefits if you are involved in an accident.

To be eligible for these benefits:

• You must be working as an employee at the time of injury/death;
  
• The AD&D policy must be attached to your income continuation policy;
  
• You must have paid premiums on both policies for at least 90 days immediately preceding each disabling condition (both personal injury and occupational);
  
• Your coverage under both policies cannot be terminated by your employer during this period unless due to nonpayment of premiums by you or Aflac;
  
• You must notify us immediately upon becoming aware that any injury resulting from any occurrence may qualify for benefits under this accident rider.

It is always best to discuss your specific coverage needs with your local insurance agent.

Aflac’s agents are licensed professionals who will help customize a policy tailored specifically for you. Our agents can answer your questions, help find the right policy for your needs and guide you through the application process.

Have Questions? Contact us for Answers and a Free Quote on Short-Term Disability Insurance

Give us a call. A licensed insurance professional will answer all your questions.