What is the most popular payment period for Short Term Disability benefits?

The most popular payment period for Short Term Disability benefits is typically 26 weeks. This period strikes a balance between providing sufficient income support for individuals who are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury while also being manageable for insurers in terms of risk and cost.

Short Term Disability insurance is designed to cover a temporary inability to work, with the common intent to assist individuals during recovery or adjustment periods that often do not exceed six months. While some policies offer payments for shorter durations, such as 12 weeks, many plans extend benefits to 26 weeks to allow individuals more time to recuperate or transition back to their previous roles.

Longer payment periods such as one year or two years generally fall under Long Term Disability insurance, which is intended for more severe or prolonged disabilities, beyond the scope of what Short Term Disability coverage is designed to address. Hence, 26 weeks remains a popular and practical standard for Short Term Disability benefits.