Short Term Disability Insurance

Consider any expenses you may incur in the running of your household, including car payments, mortgage payments, groceries, childcare or tuition that would still need to be covered in the event of a disability.

If your disability claim is approved, payments will be made directly to you. Payment amounts may vary based on coverage selections.

Depending on the coverage you buy, your payment will be between $300 per month and 66.67% of your gross monthly salary.

Enrolling in a plan is not mandatory, but it is a good idea and can be a cost-effective way to help protect your income. Without disability insurance, you may need to use your savings or tap into other assets to cover your essential living expenses while you recover from an accident or illness.

MetLife offers various ways to submit your claim, including online, mail and phone options. Plus, you can track the status of your claim and submit claim updates online via our mobile-enabled web portal.

You may need written proof of your disability from your treatment provider(s) to be approved for a claim. You may also need to provide additional medical records concerning the details of your disability. Your insurer may also want you examined at their cost and/or may require financial information from you.

The definition of disability will vary depending on your plan. Please consult the State or review your Certificate of Insurance for specific details.

Benefits may begin after you have met an elimination period—a plan-defined period of time, starting with the date you are disabled from work and the number of days you must continue to be disabled until benefits may begin. Please consult your employer's Certificate of Insurance for specific details.

When choosing disability coverage, consider how long you can manage without a paycheck. If you have significant savings, you may be willing to choose a longer elimination period. Typically, the longer the elimination period, the lower the premium.

Up to 26 weeks as long as you remain totally disabled.

Disability coverage that replaces at least 60 percent of your after-tax income is generally recommended.

To estimate the benefit amount you would need if you became disabled, ask yourself how much monthly income would cover your living expenses. Household expenses may include mortgage, car payments, groceries and childcare. Consider all these factors to help you come up with an appropriate amount.

The MetLife Disability Calculator^TM is another handy resource you can use to estimate the amount of disability insurance income you would need to help maintain your current standard of living.

• You might qualify for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Contact your agency’s, school’s or organization’s human resource office to learn more.
• Social Security disability benefits may be available to eligible individuals who experience a disability that is expected to last longer than one year (in addition to other requirements). Social Security disability benefits are not intended for temporary conditions. Social Security's disability rules are different from those of other government or private programs. For more information on Social Security disability benefits eligibility, visit the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov.
• You may want to consider purchasing Long Term Disability insurance.