How is disability duration typically described in Short-Term Disability policies?

• A. Short-Term Disability provides benefits for a defined period (often weeks to a few months) after the disability begins, as specified in the policy.
• B. Benefits continue indefinitely.
• C. Benefits start immediately without time limitation.
• D. Benefits are paid only after retirement.

Answer: (A)

Short-Term Disability policies specify a defined benefit duration. They’re designed to provide income support for a temporary period, so the policy sets exactly how many weeks or months benefits will be paid after the disability begins (often after an elimination period). Payments stop when that defined period ends, when the employee returns to work, or when the disability ends. This contrasts with indefinite or post-retirement payments, which aren’t how STD is structured. Some policies may use examples like a 26-week benefit period, but the key point is that the duration is fixed and stated in the policy.