Do I Need Short-Term Disability Coverage?

Could you manage your living expenses and medical bills if you were unable to work due to illness, injury, or childbirth?
For many employees, the answer is no. Short-Term Disability (STD) provides income protection when you cannot work due to a non-work-related medical condition.

💵 Why Consider Short term disability (STD)?

Even if you have sick or vacation leave, medically necessary absences can quickly create financial strain. STD benefits:

• Replace part of your income when you’re unable to work.

• Are non-taxable and paid directly to you.

• Do not offset your available sick or vacation time.

• Bridge to Long-Term Disability (LTD): The university’s LTD plan has a 26-week (6-month) waiting period. STD helps cover this gap until LTD begins.

📌 Plan Highlights

Two Coverage Options:

• Option 1: Benefits start on day 15 after a qualified illness or injury.

• Option 2: Benefits start on day 1 for off-the-job injuries or day 8 for illness.

Additional Features:

• Flexible benefit amounts: Choose up to 60% of your weekly salary (maximum $2,000/week).

• Medical documentation required to support your claim.

• Guaranteed issue: No medical questions during open enrollment.

• Voluntary coverage available through The Hartford.

🔹 Example of Coverage

An employee earning $30,000 annually who elects a $300 weekly benefit and has a accident related medical leave requiring them to be off of work for 8 weeks:

• Option 1: $35.95/month — coverage starts day 15, pays $1,800 (6 weeks of pay).

• Option 2: $45.55/month — coverage starts day 1, pays $2,400  (8 weeks of pay).

📝 Enrollment Information

• Open Enrollment: Nov. 1 – Dec. 1, 2025

• Visit the Virtual Benefit Fair to learn more about Short-Term Disability and all voluntary benefits.

STD coverage provides peace of mind, helping you stay financially secure during an unexpected medical leave.

🔗 Learn More

• Short-Term Disability – Missouri State University

• HR Blog