If you are injured in an accident or unexpectedly ill and unable to work, you may wonder whether you are eligible for short-term disability benefits. The attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons can help you understand whether you qualify, how to get short-term disability, and how it works.
What Is Short-Term Disability?
Short-term disability is a type of insurance that provides temporary income assistance if you cannot work because of an accident or illness. It does not require that your illness or injury be work-related. The Insurance Information Institute (III) shows that short-term disability policies typically have a waiting period of no more than 14 days and a coverage period that typically lasts no longer than two years. However, the specific coverage window varies from policy to policy.
Generally, short-term disability goes through your employer — provided they maintain a policy. Your employer may self-administer the coverage, meaning that the employer pays for this benefit on their own. If they use an insurance provider, the provider administers the program.
What Qualifies for Short-Term Disability?
Whether you are eligible for short-term disability depends on your policy. Your insurance policy will likely itemize what accidents, illnesses, or circumstances would trigger coverage for your lost income.
Every insurance company will define it differently. But generally speaking, short-term disability covers temporary absences from work for recovery after an unanticipated injury or accident, recovery after major surgery, and even mental health issues.
How Does Short-Term Disability Work?
The terms of your short-term disability coverage are outlined in your insurance policy. You should take care to follow the policy terms so you do not accidentally waive your coverage. In general, you should take the following steps to apply for short-term disability:
- Document the accident or illness– Your insurance provider may require your medical records related to the accident or injury that triggered the need for short-term disability. You should request records from your medical providers in anticipation of the insurance company’s request.
- Speak to your HR department– Assuming your short-term disability coverage is provided by your employer, you should speak to your Human Resources representative. They should then file a claim on your behalf.
- Contact a disability attorney – If you or your employer are struggling to understand the terms of the short-term disability or the insurance company denies your claim, you need a disability lawyer on your side to handle your claim on your behalf.
Contact Our Attorneys to Claim Short-Term Disability
The experienced attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons are here to help with your short-term disability claim. Founded in 1984, our firm has a tradition of hard work and loyalty which carries through to our clients. We offer individualized attention to each client and their legal needs. Each of our attorneys focuses on a single practice area, giving them profound insight into their chosen field.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your short-term disability claim with an experienced and compassionate attorney in Oklahoma.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
