When you are suffering from an illness and unable to work, you are likely to become confused about all of the different options available to you. It is important, therefore, to fully understand the differences between benefits such as short-term disability insurance and rights such as the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Short-term disability insurance and the FMLA have different and distinct benefits associated with them. This blog will explain the differences between the two and how you can play each one to your advantage when you are suffering from an illness.
What is short-term disability insurance?
Short-term disability insurance is a benefit that around 22 percent of people are eligible for in the U.S. Online residents of California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island are eligible. The program works through the employer paying the insurance on employees’ behalf, meaning that they get benefits if they become temporarily unable to work because of illness or disability.
Short-term disability insurance does not give you job protection or leave for a family member. However, it does give you income replacement of up to 70 percent of your weekly wage.
What is the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
The FMLA is a protection that employees do not need to sign up for. It gives job protection for unpaid leave when an employee or a member of their family is sick.
The FMLA and short-term disability insurance have different advantages. If you are confused about which will offer you the best support, you should research both of them fully.
Source: Growing Family Benefits, “Short Term Disability vs Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA),” accessed Feb. 02, 2018