How to Get Short-Term Disability in PA

Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. | | Social Security
broken leg is eligible for short-term disability

Suffering an injury or developing a medical condition that leaves you unable to work can make you feel anxious and stressed over the loss of income while you recover. But you may have the option of filing for short-term disability benefits that can help replace your lost income to pay the bills while you cannot work. Let the attorneys of Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. review your case and determine whether you are eligible for short-term disability compensation.

For over 20 years, our firm has worked tirelessly to help injured people in Pennsylvania navigate the legal system and get the compensation and benefits they need. We know you need to prioritize your health and future during this challenging time. You deserve a lawyer who understands what you’re facing and will fight to get you the financial relief you need to move forward with your life. You deserve the workers’ compensation attorneys of Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn more about your legal options for pursuing short-term disability and other important benefits.

What Is Short-Term Disability?

Short-term disability refers to insurance that partially replaces an individual’s earnings when they cannot work due to a physical or mental medical condition expected to last less than 12 months. Someone suffering from a medical condition lasting longer than 12 months can file for Social Security disability benefits instead.

What Conditions and Health Problems Qualify for Short-Term Disability?

Examples of medical conditions and health problems that can trigger eligibility for short-term disability benefits include:

How Can You Apply for Short-Term Disability?

Your options for applying for short-term disability benefits in Pennsylvania could include the following:

  • Workers’ compensation benefits if your disability occurs due to a work-related injury or medical condition
  • Short-term disability programs offered by your employer
  • Private short-term disability insurance, which you would have purchased through an employer or privately

To apply for short-term disability benefits, you will need to provide documentation and information to support your claim, including the following:

  • The definition of the medical condition you have
  • The date your disability or condition began
  • Medical certification of your condition, how it prevents you from performing the essential functions of your job, and how long your disability is expected to last
  • The treatment, rehabilitation, and medications you have received for your condition

How Long Will It Take to Get Approved for Short-Term Disability in Pennsylvania?

Generally, it takes up to two weeks to get approval for short-term disability benefits. However, the approval process can take longer if you don’t submit enough information supporting your claim or application. This may result in the denial of your claim and require you to file an appeal, which can take longer to pursue.

To increase the likelihood of your claim being approved, make sure you include the necessary documents in your application, including the following:

  • Social Security number and birth certificate
  • Medical records
  • Contact information of medical professionals that treated you and the dates of treatment
  • Laboratory and diagnostic test results
  • Copy of your W-2 form
  • Summary of your employment history
  • List of medications you are taking and prescribed dosage

How Much Can You Make on Short-Term Disability in PA?

Short-term disability benefits programs in Pennsylvania only provide a portion of your average wages when you cannot work due to a temporary disability. For example, workers’ compensation provides two-thirds of your weekly average wage, subject to a maximum cap set by the state. Employer-provided short-term disability programs or insurance may provide only half to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Insurance programs often cap weekly benefit amounts, overall benefits, or the number of weeks you can receive benefits.

Getting Denied for Short-Term Disability in PA

You may be able to continue to pursue benefits if your short-term disability application is denied. If you are denied short-term disability from workers’ compensation, you can file a claim for a formal hearing with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Commission. If you applied for short-term disability benefits through your employer or insurance, the policy might offer an administrative appeals process to challenge the denial by providing additional supporting documents and information.

Should I Hire a Lawyer to Apply for Short-Term Disability?

Filing for short-term disability insurance benefits in PA can be stressful. But you don’t have to do it alone. Hiring a lawyer can help make the claims process go more smoothly. A short-term disability lawyer from Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. can help you in applying for disability in PA by:

  • Identifying all possible sources of short-term disability benefits
  • Calculating your average weekly wage before your injury or condition to determine how much you could make 
  • Preparing and filing disability claims on your behalf
  • Communicating with insurers and other parties on your behalf to advocate for your rights

Contact Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. to Apply for Short-Term Disability

If you suffered an injury or developed a medical condition and cannot work, you could be eligible for short-term disability benefits. To learn more about the process of pursuing the money you need, contact Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced legal team can help you seek the financial relief you deserve.