If you’ve been injured or diagnosed with a serious medical condition that keeps you from working, disability insurance can be a financial lifeline. But when it comes to filing a claim, one of the most common questions we hear at Martin J. Sperry, P.A. is: “What’s the difference between short-term and long-term disability?”
Understanding how these two types of benefits work - and which one applies to your situation - is essential to protecting your income and your future.
What Is Short-Term Disability?
Short-term disability (STD) provides income replacement if you’re temporarily unable to work usually due to a non-work-related injury, illness, or medical condition.
Key Features:
- Duration: Typically covers a few weeks up to 6 months
- Waiting period: Usually 7–14 days after you stop working
- Coverage: May replace 50–100% of your regular income
- Common uses: Surgery recovery, pregnancy, illness, or injury
Note: Florida does not offer state-sponsored short-term disability to the public, so coverage usually comes from a private insurance policy or employer benefit plan.
What Is Long-Term Disability?
Long-term disability (LTD) kicks in when a serious illness or injury prevents you from working for an extended period, often several months or years.
Key Features:
- Duration: Can last for years or until retirement, depending on your policy
- Waiting period: Usually 90–180 days after becoming disabled
- Coverage: Typically replaces 50–60% of income
- Common uses: Cancer, serious accidents, mental health disorders, or chronic conditions
LTD policies can be employer-sponsored (usually ERISA), or private individually purchased. Claims are often more complex and require substantial medical documentation.
Florida-Specific Considerations
Florida does not require employers to provide short- or long-term disability coverage, and there’s no state disability insurance program. That means most residents rely on private insurance or employer-sponsored plans.
Filing a disability claim in Florida, especially for long-term disability under ERISA policies, can involve strict deadlines, detailed documentation, and potential denials. Having an experienced disability attorney on your side can make all the difference.
Need Help with a Disability Claim in Fort Lauderdale?
Whether you’re dealing with short-term limitations or facing a long-term disability, the Law Office of Martin J. Sperry, P.A. is here to protect your rights. We specialize in handling disability insurance claims and appeals for clients across Fort Lauderdale and throughout the state of Florida.
Call today for a free consultation 954-324-2340 or contact us online. Don’t wait until your claim is denied. Get the guidance and advocacy you deserve.