Short-term disability insurance typically provides benefits for what duration?

Short-term disability insurance is designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a temporary illness or injury. The benefits are typically structured to cover a limited time frame, usually ranging from a few weeks up to six months.

Selecting less than six months as the correct duration reflects the general industry standard for short-term policies, which aim to bridge the gap for workers until they can return to their job or transition to long-term disability support if their condition persists. This coverage period is sufficient for most temporary disabilities, which often resolve within this time frame, allowing policyholders to receive necessary support without extensive waiting periods.

In contrast, options that specify durations of three months or up to one year fall outside the commonly accepted range for short-term disability insurance. Policies that cover more than a year would typically be classified as long-term disability insurance, which has different implications for coverage and financial planning.