Does Short-Term Disability Cover Mental Health?
You’ve been dealing with mental health symptoms that are compromising your ability to work. You need to temporarily step away from your job to get help, but you’re understandably concerned about the financial implications of this decision. Does short-term disability cover mental health?
To learn more about mental health options at New Mind Wellness, call us today or verify your insurance online. We’re excited to help you start your personal recovery journey.
What Is Short-Term Disability Insurance?
Short-term disability insurance (STD) usually refers to a private insurance policy. It provides a portion of your salary for a limited period of time. This applies if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury that is not related to your job.
Currently, the following five states have laws that require employers to provide STD policies to their employees:
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- Hawaii
- Rhode Island
California, New York, New Jersey, and Hawaii, employers may either purchase private STD policies or pay into a state disability insurance (SDI) program. In Rhode Island, employers must participate in the state-run program.
In the other 45 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia, short-term disability policies may be purchased by employers, employees, or a combination of the two. But this type of insurance is not a legal requirement in these states.
Does Short-Term Disability Cover Mental Health?
Does short-term disability cover mental health? That depends on the specifics of the policy. The type of mental health concern you have, and your ability to provide appropriate documentation:
- Policy Parameters: The only way to be certain if your short-term disability policy covers mental health is to carefully review the policy itself. Insurance policies are not always easy to interpret. You may need to consult with your insurance provider to verify if mental health is covered.
- Mental Health Status: In addition to determining if your short-term disability covers mental health, it’s also important to verify which types of mental health concerns are covered. Check how the policy differentiates between covered and non-covered illnesses.
- Documentation: If your policy covers mental illness and includes your specific mental health concern, you should confirm what type of documentation you need to provide to access this benefit. Your policy should outline this information.
If your short-term disability insurance is provided by your union or your employer, there may be someone in one of those organizations who can answer your questions. If not, you may want to visit your insurance provider’s website or contact the company directly.
Remember: There aren’t many standard answers about short-term insurance and disability – the extent and limitations of coverage can vary considerably from one policy to another.
How Long Can I Get Short-Term Disability for Mental Health?
Your policy will also specify the amount of time you can receive short-term disability payments for mental health.
Most short-term disability plans provide funds for three to six months, though some extend for a full year.
You should also check with your provider to ascertain how long you may need to wait until you can access the benefits provided in your plan.
As with the length of time you can receive payments, the duration of waiting periods can also vary among policies. Some plans require you to miss work for seven days before you can begin to collect, while others mandate waits of up to 30 days.
What Happens if I Don’t Have Mental Health Coverage?
Explore these options if you don’t have short-term disability or if your plan doesn’t cover your mental health concern.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program provides monthly payments to people who cannot work due to blindness or other disabilities. Mental health concerns can qualify you for SSDI funding, but you must also have worked at least five of the past 10 years and meet other criteria to be eligible for these payments.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI, which is also managed by the Social Security Administration, offers monthly payments to people who are blind, have certain disabilities (including mental health concerns), or are age 65 or above. However, to qualify for SSI, you must also have little to no income or resources, includes no more than $2,000 in savings or other assets if you’re single. The limit for couples is $3,000.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): If you and your employer meet the FMLA’s eligibility criteria, you are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year to address a serious mental illness or to care for a loved one who has a covered condition. The FMLA guarantees that you will be able to return to your same job. Alternatively, you may return to a “virtually identical position.” However, you will not be paid during your time away from work.
Like short-term disability for mental health, the three programs listed above come with various qualifying criteria, conditions, and limitations. You may need to talk with someone from your company or union. Alternatively, you may consult an outside expert for guidance on eligibility requirements and the application process.
Find Mental Health Treatment in Philadelphia
If you have been experiencing mental health symptoms that are severe enough to prevent you from working, you should schedule an assessment with your doctor or a mental health expert in your area.
If your assessment reveals that you can benefit from outpatient mental health treatment, New Mind Wellness Center may be the perfect place for you. At our center near Philadelphia, PA, you can receive customized care at the partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels.
To learn more about how we can help you, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Begin Healing at Our Mental Health Rehab in Philadelphia
If you are ready to take the first step towards a healthier mind, contact us today. You will be connected with someone who can help guide you through our simple and straightforward admissions process. Learn more about our mental health programs in Philadelphia and begin your journey towards lasting wellness.
