Skip to content 
If you are a resident of Texas and looking for information regarding short term disability, this blog post is for you. Here we will discuss the basics of short term disability policies in Texas and how they can benefit you. We will also cover how to apply for these policies and the types of coverage available.
In Texas, short-term disability plans are offered through private companies or directly from employers. Employers sometimes provide group plans that offer limited coverage but may be more affordable than individual policies.
It’s important to understand what is covered by your policy before making any decisions about purchasing a plan.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Short-Term Disability In Texas?
In order to qualify for short-term disability in Texas, you must meet certain criteria. In general, applicants must have worked at least 20 hours per week for a minimum of 5 out of the last 10 weeks prior to their injury or illness.
Additionally, applicants must be actively employed when they file their claim and have earned at least $1,800 over the last five quarters before filing their application.
The application process itself is relatively straightforward. Applicants need to provide proof of employment, information about their income and expenses, and medical documentation showing that they are unable to work due to a covered injury or illness.
All documents must be signed by both the applicant and employer before submitting them to the state’s Department of Insurance (TDI). Once all necessary paperwork has been submitted, TDI will review it and make a decision regarding eligibility.
If approved, benefits may include up to 66% of your average weekly wages for up to 26 weeks per year. However, there are limits on how much you can receive; maximum benefits cannot exceed $1,800 per week.
Check Also: Short Term Disability In Michigan [Check Eligibility & Benefits]
There are also waiting periods that apply depending on your individual circumstances; this means that you may not receive benefits until after 7 days of being disabled due to an illness or 14 days in the case of an injury.
How Do I Apply For Short Term Disability?
The process for applying for short-term disability in Texas varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, however, the process involves filling out an application and providing proof of income, proof of residence, and other necessary documentation that prove you are eligible for the policy.
Once your application has been approved by the provider, you will receive a certificate outlining the terms of your coverage.
Check Also: How to see a Doctor without Insurance?
Types Of Coverage Available In Texas
There are different types of short-term disability plans available in Texas. The most common types of coverage include temporary total disabilities (TDI), temporary partial disabilities (TPD), and permanent total disabilities (PTD).
Temporary total disabilities provide benefits if you are completely unable to work due to an injury or illness while temporary partial disabilities provide benefits if you are able to work but only at a reduced capacity due to health issues or injuries.
Permanent total disabilities provide benefits if you become permanently disabled due to an injury or illness and cannot return to work ever again; in this case, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits instead of short-term ones.
What Are Some Of The Common Reasons People File For Short-Term Disability?
There are numerous reasons why people may need to file for short-term disability. It is important to understand what types of disabilities qualify and the common reasons individuals choose to take advantage of this benefit.
Here are some of the top reasons people file for short-term disability.
-
Maternity Leave
One of the common reasons women request short-term disability is maternity leave. This type of leave is commonly used when an expecting mother needs time off from work to recover after giving birth or to bond with her new baby.
Depending on where you live and the company you work for, you may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid leave or a combination of paid/unpaid leave depending on your situation.
-
Injury Or illness
Injuries and illnesses can also render a person unable to perform their job duties temporarily. Common examples include broken bones, severe colds and flu, or even surgery recovery.
In such cases, an individual may apply for a short-term disability claim in order to receive financial assistance during this period of time that they are unable to work due to their injury or illness.
-
Mental Health Conditions
Another reason why people might choose to file for short-term disability is due to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc. Mental health conditions can be debilitating, making it difficult—or even impossible—to complete regular job duties.
If an individual has been diagnosed with a mental health condition by a doctor, they may be eligible for a short-term disability claim in order to help cover costs associated with their medical bills and other expenses related to their condition.
All in all, there are numerous reasons why someone might choose to file a short-term disability claim including maternity leave, injuries and illnesses, and mental health conditions.
It is essential that individuals understand what qualifies as a valid reason before deciding whether or not filing a claim is right for them based on their current circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive short-term disability benefits in Texas?
In Texas, short-term disability benefits can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to receive. Most short-term disability carriers have time frames of up to 26 weeks for benefit payments, though this may vary depending on the insurer and type of coverage.
How much will I receive in short-term disability benefits in Texas?
In Texas, short-term disability benefits can vary depending on the type of insurance policy you have and the specifics of your particular situation. Generally, short-term disability benefits are paid as a percentage of your salary and are usually based on the length of time you were employed before becoming disabled.
For example, if you’ve worked for six months or more, you may be entitled to receive up to 60% of your wages while you’re out due to short-term disability.
What are the tax implications of receiving short-term disability benefits in Texas?
In Texas, short-term disability benefits are typically taxable unless they’re part of a plan sponsored by an employer. If you receive short-term disability benefits under a state or federal program, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the payments may be taxable.
Can I receive short-term disability benefits and unemployment benefits at the same time?
In Texas, short-term disability benefits and unemployment benefits cannot be received at the same time. The short-term disability program in Texas is administered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Individuals receiving short term disability must exhaust all paid leave before they can apply for short-term disability benefits through TWC.
What resources are available to help me understand short-term disability in Texas?
If you’re looking for information about short-term disability in Texas, there are a few resources available to help. First, the Texas Department of Insurance provides a comprehensive overview of short-term disability policies and answers frequently asked questions related to short-term disability coverage.
Additionally, the Texas Workforce Commission offers a list of approved short-term disability insurance providers, as well as other information about short-term disability benefits.
Finally, the Social Security Administration provides a comprehensive overview of short-term disability laws and regulations in Texas.
Conclusion :-
No matter which type of short-term disability plan you choose, it’s important that you understand what is covered by your policy before signing up for it.
Knowing all the details about your plan can help give you peace of mind knowing that your family will be taken care of if something happens to prevent you from working temporarily or even permanently due to an illness or injury.
If you have any questions about applying for short-term disability in Texas or want more information about how it can benefit your family’s financial security, contact a qualified professional today!
