How Much Do Short Term Disability And Long Term Disability Pay?

If you’re wondering how much short term disability and long term disability pay, you’ve come to the right place!

There is no specific answer to short term disability and long term disability pay questions. The answer is determined by the contents of the documents known as the “Plan Document,” usually an insurance policy. The following outlines what I have seen over the many years we have been handling these claims.

Short Term Disability And Long Term Disability Pay

Usually, both Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability benefit plans provide a 60% monthly benefit. Some are as low as 40% and as high as 70%. Sometimes, Short Term Disability benefits are paid on a sliding scale starting at 100% for a period of weeks with the percentage reduced over time. Short Term Disability benefits are usually paid for 13, 26 or, even, 52 weeks. Thereafter the claim should transition into Long Term Disability. With respect to Long Term Disability benefits, sometimes there is a “buy up” whereby the plan participant is allowed to buy additional coverage over and above that provided in the basic plan.

One important issue in determining the monthly benefit is the amount we refer to as “Pre-disability Earnings,” i.e., the amount the claimant earned prior to the date of disability. The definition of this term is critical, especially insofar as bonuses, commissions and overtime pay is involved. It is important to preserve documentation regarding earnings at the early stages of the claim.

The foregoing is but a thumbnail sketch of the myriad of problems presented by this issue, one which should be simple. Problems arise when the employer under reports earnings to the insurance company. This may be the result of an effort to keep the premiums down but it is an injustice to a deserving claimant who expected protection of a certain salary level.

Let Us Help With Your Short Term And Long Term Disability Pay

Herbert M. Hill, P.A. is a law firm located in Orlando, Florida with a practice extending throughout the State of Florida and the Southeast. Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability benefit claims represent over 90% of our practice. We know the benefits you are entitled to and the steps which need to be undertaken to secure payment of the same. We have found ourselves, at one time or another, on just about every horizon which might be presented by a disability benefits claim.