Disability

Disability is by definition the worker's inability to work and earn income. Disability benefits guarantee workers some income security during periods in which they may not be able to work owing to poor health or other causes. Accordingly, disability is one of the most important benefits an employer can offer to an employee because it provides income in those circumstances when workers' compensation is either unavailable or insufficient. Short-term disability coverage is required by law in several states; therefore, employers should check their states' requirements. Disability benefits are subject to requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, including the requirement that a summary plan description be furnished to employees.

Individuals injured on the job while employed by private companies or state and local government agencies should contact their state workers' compensation board.

The DOL's website for people with disabilities, DisabilityInfo.gov, provides one-stop access to government disability information and resources.

State Mandated Short Term Disability Coverage

Five states require employers to provide short term disability benefits for all employees. These states require employers to provide a minimum amount of short term disability benefits to all employees while disabled. Some states permit insurance companies to provide the coverage; others insist that all coverage be provided by the state and paid for through payroll taxes. Each stateÕs plan and administration is handled differently. The states that require a Disability Plan are California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.