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If you sustain an off-the-job injury, illness, or other medical issue that prevents you from being able to work for a limited time, short-term disability may come in handy. It can help alleviate the financial burden you and your family might experience while you're at home and recovering. Here's a closer look at how short-term disability works and how much it costs.
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Short-term disability insurance offers temporary coverage when you're injured or facing an illness or condition that makes it difficult for you to work. It's usually offered by your employer through an insurance company, such as Aflac.
In exchange for monthly premiums by you or your employer, you'll receive benefit payments between 40% to 80% of your salary. While every policy is different, most of them come with a benefit period that lasts between three and six months.1 Some examples where you might use short-term disability insurance include accidents, back injuries, and maternity leave.
Here are some common features of short-term disability insurance:
Typically, short-term disability insurance pays up to 80% of your monthly income.1 The length of coverage and type of disabilities covered will depend on your policy.
Also known as the waiting period, is the period between the time you become disabled and the time you can start receiving benefits. Elimination periods vary but may last from 7 to 30 days.1
The coverage available to you depends on the details of your plan. Benefit amounts and coverage features may vary.
You should expect to pay between 1% and 3% of your income for short-term disability insurance.2
A rider is an optional add-on that can customize your coverage. Most riders will increase your premiums.2
Don't wait until it's too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedHere are sample quotes based on a 14-day elimination period with a 26-week benefit period for healthy, non-smokers in TX. From this example, you can get a look at how much you might pay for short-term disability based on this sample criteria:2
| Office Job | Manual Job | |
|---|---|---|
| 25-year-old male with $750 per week in benefits | $31 | $65 |
| 35-year-old female with $750 per week in benefits | $70 | $151 |
| 35-year-old female with $1,000 per week in benefits | $93 | $199 |
| 45-year-old male with $1,000 per week in benefits | $82 | $178 |
There are several factors that can impact your short-term disability premiums, including:2
Your health typically declines with age and increases your risk of illness or injury. Therefore, the older you are, the more you'll pay for a short-term disability policy.
Women tend to file more claims for conditions like pregnancy and mental health.2 For this reason, you might notice higher premiums if you're a woman. But it's important to note that rates for men will rise faster than rates for women as they get older.2
You may be considered a higher risk policyholder if you have a pre-existing condition, a family history of chronic diseases, or smoke. As a result, short-term disability insurance will cost you more than it would if you are a healthy non-smoker.
Some occupations are more dangerous than others. If you're a truck driver or construction worker, for example, you may have to pay higher premiums than someone with a desk job.
Your lifestyle can play a role in the cost of your short-term disability insurance. For example, if you engage in risky activities like skydiving, you may pay more for a policy.
To help reduce your short-term disability insurance premiums, consider these tips:2
Don't wait to apply for short-term disability. Apply for a policy as soon as possible, as rates will likely increase as you age.
As mentioned before, elimination periods may last up to 30 days. The longer the elimination period you choose, the more reasonable your policy will be.
Short-term disability pays out a certain percentage of your monthly income, depending on the type of policy you have. If you opt for a lower income percentage, you may be able to reduce your premiums.
A benefit period for a short-term disability policy is usually between three to 12 months.2 A shorter benefit period may help you save money.
Short-term disability insurance can be a real lifesaver if an illness, injury, or condition prevents you from being able to work. If you're looking for a policy, Aflac offers short-term disability insurance that you can get through your employer.
With short-term disability, you'll be able to focus on recovery and won't have to worry about your finances. Additionally, we offer guaranteed-issue plans that can allow you to skip the medical exam, depending on your condition and where you live. Reach out to an agent today to learn more about our short-term disability coverage options.
Get Started
Short-term and long-term disability insurance both offer great coverage. Learn the differences between them to figure out which insurance plan is right for you.
Wondering what qualifies as a short-term disability? Learn what short-term disability insurance is and some illnesses that qualify for short-term disability benefits.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance both offer great coverage. Learn the differences between them to figure out which insurance plan is right for you.
Wondering what qualifies as a short-term disability? Learn what short-term disability insurance is and some illnesses that qualify for short-term disability benefits.
1 DisabilitySecrets - Short-Term vs Long-Term Disability Insurance. Updated February 11, 2026. https://www.disabilitysecrets.com/resources/short-term-vs-long-term-disability-insurance.html. Accessed August 31, 2026.
2 Investopedia - How Much Does Short-Term Disability Cost? Updated November 25, 2024. https://www.investopedia.com/how-much-does-short-term-disability-cost-7229223. Accessed August 31, 2026.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Short-Term Disability, A57600 series: In Arkansas, Policies A57600AR & A57600LBAR. In Delaware, Policies A57600DE & A57600LB. In Idaho, Policy A57600IDR. In New York, Policy NY57600. In Oklahoma, Policies A57600OK &A57600LBOK. In Oregon, Policies A57600OR & A57600LBOR. In Pennsylvania, Policies A57600PAR &A57600LBPA. In Texas, Policies A57600TX &A57600LBTX. In Virginia, Policies A57600VA &A57600LBVA.
Coverage/plan levels may not be available in all states. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
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