What is a benefit of short-term disability insurance?

Short-term disability insurance provides partial income protection for employees who are temporarily unable to work due to a medical condition, illness, or injury. This type of insurance typically helps bridge the gap during a limited period when the policyholder cannot earn their usual income. The benefit is particularly crucial for managing everyday expenses while recovering, as it allows individuals to receive a portion of their salary—not the full amount—while they are on leave.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of short-term disability insurance. Complete health coverage refers to medical insurance, which differs from income protection. Full salary replacement is generally not provided by short-term disability insurance, as it typically only covers a percentage of the salary. Lastly, many policies do have a waiting period before claims can be filed or benefits begin, which means that immediate access to funds may not be available. Overall, the key feature of partial income protection is what distinguishes short-term disability insurance from other types of coverage.