How Long Can You Be on Short-Term Disability in New Jersey?

Suppose a recent medical diagnosis will prevent you from working for the foreseeable future. If you have short-term disability insurance in New Jersey, you may qualify for benefits. But how long can you expect to receive them?

Short-term disability benefits are only meant to last for a specific time. Generally, New Jersey claimants can only receive benefits for several months. Benefits can end sooner if a claimant’s disability is removed earlier than anticipated. Before you can start receiving short-term disability benefits, you must file a claim and wait for approval. Then, there is an elimination period, during which you will not receive benefits. If your condition does not improve by the time your short-term disability benefits lapse, speak to a lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you apply for long-term disability or Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits if possible.

We’re here to help our New Jersey neighbors understand short-term disability benefits. For a free case evaluation with the New Jersey disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Deane, call today at (609) 557-3081.

How Long Will My Short-Term Disability Benefits Last in New Jersey?

If you have a short-term disability insurance policy, either purchased privately or through your New Jersey employer, you may be able to claim benefits if you have a medical condition that prevents you from working for the time being. That said, these benefits are generally only available for a short time.

Short-term disability benefits are temporary. Suppose you are expected to recover from a medical condition that currently prevents you from working. In that case, short-term disability benefits can compensate you for lost income for a short time.

How long your short-term disability benefits last will largely depend on your policy. New Jersey insurance companies can set their own timeframes for short-term disability benefits. Generally, individuals can expect their short-term disability benefits to last around six months. However, that is not guaranteed.

Unfortunately, New Jersey residents may be unaware just how short their short-term disability benefits are. Suppose you’re under the impression that your short-term disability benefits will last for months, but your policy states that they cease in a matter of weeks. If you aren’t prepared for benefits to lapse, you may face challenges. Your Mount Laurel disability lawyer can help you understand how long your short-term disability benefits will last according to your insurance policy, so that there are no surprises.

The bottom line is that short-term disability insurance policies only provide payments over a certain period. That is how they are designed. Depending on your condition, short-term disability benefits may be insufficient to compensate you for lost wages. Remember, short-term disability benefits will generally not last long, even if your condition worsens. In fact, if your condition improves, your benefits may lapse sooner than expected.

How Long Until I Start Receiving Short-Term Disability Benefits in New Jersey?

After your short-term disability insurance claim is approved, you may expect to receive payments immediately. In reality, it may take several weeks before you start seeing your benefits. That’s because New Jersey claimants are often subjected to an elimination period, during which they must meet an insurance company’s particular definition of disability.

Although short-term disability payments do not last long, New Jersey insurance companies still want to ensure a claimant’s eligibility. Because of that, there is an elimination period after a claim for short-term disability benefits is approved. During this time, New Jersey claimants must continue to meet their insurer’s definition of disability. Suppose you fail to meet the definition of disability at any point during the elimination period. In that case, you may never receive your short-term disability payments.

The elimination period for short-term disability benefits is generally only one to two weeks. While that may not seem like a long time, New Jersey residents should consider the time it takes to file a claim and for an insurer to review and approve it. New Jersey claimants may have to submit to interviews and independent medical examinations so that an insurance company can verify their condition. All in all, it may be months before you get your short-term disability benefits. A Piscataway, NJ disability lawyer can work to speed up the process so that you receive your short-term disability benefits as soon as possible.

What if I Need to Be on Disability for a Longer Period in New Jersey?

Suppose your short-term disability benefits lapse, yet your medical condition persists. If you are still unable to return to work after being on short-term disability for several months, you should learn your potions. Depending on your condition, you may be eligible for long-term disability or Social Security Disability benefits in New Jersey.

Long-Term Disability

New Jersey residents that purchase short-term disability insurance may also get a long-term disability policy. This can protect you if your condition worsens and you require disability benefits for longer than what your short-term plan provides. In fact, because of the considerable elimination period for long-term disability benefits, your Trenton disability lawyer may advise you to get benefits under your short-term plan in the meantime. Your attorney can also help you file a claim for long-term disability benefits if you still require support once your short-term benefits lapse.

Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability benefits are available to New Jersey residents with qualifying medical conditions and work histories. It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits and short-term disability benefits may vary, so ask your lawyer if applying for SSDI benefits is possible after your short-term disability benefits end. If short-term disability benefits are insufficient to compensate you for lost wages, SSDI benefits may help.

Our New Jersey Attorneys Can Help You File a Short-Term Disability Claim Today

If you need assistance claiming your short-term disability benefits, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the East Brunswick disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Deane, call today at (609) 557-3081.