When do benefits typically begin for Short Term Disability?

For Short Term Disability (STD) insurance, benefits typically begin after the elimination period ends. The elimination period is the time between the onset of a disability and when the insurance benefits start. This period generally ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks, allowing time for verification of the disability and for the insured to submit the necessary documentation.

While some policies may offer benefits that commence immediately, it is more common for STD plans to have an elimination period, often around 7 to 14 days. This means that most employees may need to wait a short period before the coverage kicks in, aligning with the correct understanding of when benefits are activated in relation to the insurance policy's terms.

Understanding this aspect of Short Term Disability is critical, as it influences both the planning for potential income loss during a period of disability and the management of savings or other resources to cover expenses during the elimination period.