New messages from Aflac |
View Notifications opens a dialog
Close X dismisses the notification alert
If you’re planning on welcoming a new addition to your family, you’re probably trying to plan for what will happen when you take time off from work. If your employer does not offer paid maternity leave, you may want to consider short-term disability insurance. Short-term disability insurance is one way that women can help replace a portion of their income if they are unable to work due to a covered illness or injury. Aflac’s short-term disability insurance can be applied for through your employer. In this article, we’ll look at what short-term disability insurance is and how it works.
Table of Contents
Short-term disability benefits replace part of your income when you’re unable to work for a specified period of time due to a covered disability.1 In some cases, this may include situations where you are unable to work due to pregnancy or childbirth.
Benefits work differently depending on the policy and insurer. Generally, you must apply ahead of time and give documentation of your pregnancy, like medical records and doctor’s notes, to successfully file a claim. If approved, short-term benefits typically pay between 40-70% of your salary for three and six months.2
You may be able to get short-term disability benefits while pregnant if your condition meets the policy’s definition of disability. In other cases, you may need to have coverage in place before pregnancy that does not fall within an elimination period, during which you can’t receive benefits.
Generally, you may receive short-term disability benefits if you can demonstrate that you’re unable to work due to your pregnancy or after giving birth. If you are unable to perform most of your job functions, you can present evidence of this from your physician. Approval is not guaranteed and typically depends on the communication and medical verification you’ve provided to your insurer.
You may be able to qualify for short-term disability benefits while pregnant if your condition meets the policy’s definition of disability. Become familiar with the benefits and the terms of your coverage, since every insurance plan is not the same. Here are some helpful tips to know before filing a claim:
Policies may vary in how they cover pregnancy. Some may not approve claims made within the first ten months of the policy’s effective date. Some may only approve claims if there are complications with the pregnancy or if, after giving birth, you are unable to perform your job functions consistently.
If you have group short-term disability through an employer, your HR team can help with your claim. Let them know as soon as possible if you plan to apply for short-term disability benefits. If you have individual insurance, contact your insurance provider early on to learn more about your coverage.
Your insurer will require detailed medical records to verify your claim and ensure it meets coverage requirements. Work with your doctor’s office to ensure your medical records are sent to your insurance company.
Each policy may have different requirements for when to submit a claim. Make sure you understand your policy and submit a claim before the deadline to receive benefits.
Short-term disability claims require underwriting and verification. Responding promptly to requests from your insurer can help with the application process.
Don't wait until it's too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedCoverage length for varies by policy. It could also be longer if your doctor is able to provide documentation that you require a longer recovery time.
Aflac short-term disability insurance can help replace a portion of your income when you’re recovering from a covered sickness or injury. Plans are available through employers as a worksite payroll deduction. The earlier you apply for coverage , the better prepared you will be to file a claim should the need arise. Chat with an Aflac agent about short-term disability insurance and get a quote today.
Ready to get short-term disability insurance?
Get Started
Wondering if short-term disability covers mental health? Learn how short-term disability insurance works and whether you can use it for mental health illnesses.
Short-term disability insurance can help protect your income if you’re unable to work. Learn how short-term disability works and what it covers.
Wondering if short-term disability covers mental health? Learn how short-term disability insurance works and whether you can use it for mental health illnesses.
Short-term disability insurance can help protect your income if you’re unable to work. Learn how short-term disability works and what it covers.
1 Investopedia – Best Short-Term Disability Insurance. Updated May 12, 2025. Accessed August 13, 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/the-best-short-term-disability-insurance-11723341.
2 Patient Advocate Foundation – Short-Term Disability and Its Benefits. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.patientadvocate.org/explore-our-resources/maintaining-employment-employment-benefits/short-term-disability-and-its-benefits/.
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.
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 may not be available in all states, including but not limited to PR & RI. 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.
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.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2500595
EXP 8/26
