Benefit periods for individual short-term disability policies typically last for how long?

Individual short-term disability policies are designed to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who cannot work due to a qualifying medical condition. The duration of benefit periods in these policies is typically shorter than long-term disability insurance.

In the context of individual short-term disability, having a benefit period that lasts from 6 months to 2 years aligns with industry standards found in many policies. This range allows individuals sufficient time to recover from their illness or injury before potentially transitioning to long-term disability coverage if their condition persists.

The benefit period is crucial because it directly affects the coverage provided during the time an individual is unable to work. Policies that specify shorter durations, such as 1-3 months or 3-6 months, while they may exist, are less typical for individual plans aiming to offer a substantial safety net during recovery. Options suggesting longer periods, such as 1-5 years, usually pertain to long-term disability rather than short-term coverage, which further clarifies why a benefit period of 6 months to 2 years is the most appropriate choice for short-term disability policies.