Short-term disability (STD) benefits provide partial income replacement for employees temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Calculation methods vary by employer and state regulations, but commonly involve considering an employee’s average earnings over a specific timeframe, such as the previous few weeks or months. A percentage of this average, typically ranging from 50% to 70%, is then paid to the employee during the period of disability, subject to established maximum and minimum benefit amounts. For example, an employee earning $20 per hour, working 40 hours per week, might receive 60% of their usual $800 weekly earnings, or $480 per week, while on STD.
Such programs offer crucial financial support to individuals facing unexpected health challenges, enabling them to navigate medical expenses and daily living costs while unable to earn their regular income. This protection promotes financial stability and employee well-being, contributing to a more secure and productive workforce. Historically, the concept of disability insurance evolved from mutual aid societies and fraternal organizations, eventually leading to the formal employer-sponsored plans common today. The growth of these plans reflects a greater societal recognition of the need to safeguard individuals against income loss resulting from unforeseen health events.