The state of Ohio does not provide short-term disability benefits. However, residents in Ohio can apply for disability benefits through their Social Security Administration (SSA) office. These benefits are called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or referred to as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
A disability attorney in Ohio can guide you on the best options for covering your care if you experience a short term disability or illness.
The Rules for Receiving SSDI
To qualify for SSDI, you must have acquired a medical condition that prevents you from working and has been diagnosed to last 12 months. Either that, or you have a disability that will eventually result in death. A short-term policy through a private insurer usually will cover you for 3 to 6 months, on average.
However, if applicable, you can collect short-term disability and SSDI at the same time if you apply for SSDI before you’ve been out of work for a year. Once your doctor gives the go-ahead to begin work again, your benefits will stop coming in.
To receive SSDI, you’ll need to meet certain earnings requirements and work in a job that Social Security covers.
As you can see, these factors may lead you to wonder what to do next. That is why you need to schedule a consultation with a disability lawyer. They will inform you of your rights and the best way to collect the money you need for your illness or injury.
Speak to a Short-Term Disability Lawyer First if You’re Temporarily Disabled and Unable to Work
Only a disability attorney can set you straight on your best options for paying for your care if you find yourself disabled or ill for a shorter period. They can set you straight on how to file claims and what you’ll need to do to receive compensation.
Ohio Short-Term Disability Insurance: Income Protection When You’re Sick or Injured – How It Works
When you’re faced with an unexpected illness or injury, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’ll pay your bills. Short-term disability insurance can be a lifesaver during these difficult times. In Ohio, there are several short-term disability insurance options to help maintain your lifestyle when you can’t work for a short period.
What Exactly is Short-Term Disability?
Short-term disability insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides partial pay for individuals who become disabled and can’t work for a short period, usually 3 to 6 months. This type of coverage can help pay for everyday expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities when an injury or illness keeps someone from getting their regular paycheck.
The benefits and eligibility for short-term disability insurance can vary by insurance company and policy. However, most short-term disability insurance plans in Ohio share these common features:
- Partial pay, 60-80 percent of the policyholder’s regular income
- Coverage for non-work related illnesses and injuries
- Benefit periods of 3 to 6 months
- A waiting period of 14 days
How Short-Term Disability Insurance is Different From Long-Term Disability Insurance
Note: Short-term disability insurance is different from long-term disability insurance, which provides benefits for more severe, long-term disabilities. Short-term disability coverage is designed to bridge the gap until the policyholder can get back to work or transition to a long-term disability plan if needed.
Short-Term Disability Insurance in Ohio: What’s Available
In Ohio, you can choose from different options for short-term disability insurance plans.
Employer-Provided Plans:
Many employers in Ohio offer short-term disability insurance as part of their benefits. These plans are usually cheaper than individual policies, and the employer sometimes partially or fully covers the premiums.
Individual Plans:
Individuals can also buy short-term disability insurance directly from insurance companies. These plans offer more flexibility in coverage limits and benefit periods. However, the premiums are usually higher than employer-provided plans.
State Disability Insurance – Again – Not Available in Ohio
Ohio does not have a state-run short-term disability insurance program, but states like New York or California do offer this coverage.
Supplemental Plans
In addition to standalone short-term disability policies, some insurance companies offer supplemental coverage that can be added to an existing health or life insurance plan. These supplemental plans can provide extra coverage.
Critical Illness Insurance
Some people go through private insurers to obtain critical illness insurance. This plan gives you a cash payment if you’re diagnosed with a major health issue or get seriously injured in an accident.
Eligibility and Qualifying Conditions
To get short-term disability benefits in Ohio, policyholders usually need to meet the following requirements:
- The disability is non-work related. Short-term disability insurance does not cover work-related injuries or illnesses covered by workers’ compensation.
- The disability prevents the policyholder from performing their regular job duties. The definition of “disabled” can vary by insurance company, but generally, the policyholder can’t perform the essential functions of their job.
- The disability must be certified by a licensed medical professional – a physician or a licensed mental health provider. Before getting benefits, you must have your condition acknowledged by a licensed medical or mental health professional.
Qualifying Conditions
Common qualifying conditions for short-term disability insurance in Ohio:
- Illnesses
- Injuries
- Pregnancy and childbirth complications
- Mental health conditions
Check the policy details and exclusions to know what conditions are covered and how to file a claim.
How to Apply to Receive Benefits in Ohio
The process to file a short-term disability claim in Ohio may vary by insurance company and policy. But generally, you’ll need to do the following:
Notify the Insurance Company:
- Policyholders should notify their insurance company when they become disabled and intend to file a claim.
Submit Medical Documentation
- As a policyholder, you’ll need to submit medical documentation from your treating healthcare provider – including the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan.
Fill out the Claim Form
- The insurance company will require that you fill out a claim form with information about the disability, employment, and other relevant details.
Wait for Approval:
- The insurance company will review the claim and supporting documentation before deciding on the eligibility for benefits. This can take several weeks. SSDI takes about seven months. Otherwise, wait times through private STD insurers are 7 days to 14 days.
Get Paid:
- If approved, a policyholder will start receiving short-term disability benefit payments, usually regularly (weekly or bi-weekly).
How to Get the Most Out of Short-Term Disability Coverage
To get the most out of short-term disability insurance in Ohio:
Read the Policy Details:
- Read the policy terms, coverage limits, and exclusions to know what’s covered and what’s not.
Know the Waiting Period
- Know the waiting period, which is the time between the onset of the disability and the start of benefit payments. This may be 14 to 30 days, so plan ahead.
Supplemental Coverage:
- Consider adding short-term disability coverage to your existing health or life insurance policy for extra protection.
Employer-Provided Plans:
- If your employer offers short-term disability insurance, review the coverage and compare it to individual policy options so you know you have the right coverage for you.
Contact a Disability Attorney Right Away
If you have an injury that has left you unable to work for the short term or need short-term insurance until your long-term coverage kicks in, you will also need a disability attorney’s help. Talk to a disability attorney right away.
