
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated . What changed?
Disability insurance can provide much-needed income when you’re recovering from the coronavirus. But whether you’re claiming through an individual, employer or state-funded policy, you’ll need to meet your insurer’s requirements before getting a claim payout.
If you have disability insurance, you might get covered if you get COVID-19 and can’t work for a while. You’ll have coverage even if you buy a policy today and get the coronavirus in a few weeks.
However, watch for the long waiting periods that some policies require. If you get a policy with first-day hospital benefits, your waiting period can be waived if you’re admitted to the hospital for the specified time listed in your policy. However, your insurance company won’t deem every coronavirus infection eligible. Qualifications might include:
Disability insurance, also known as income protection insurance, promises to pay a percentage of your typical wages if you become too sick or injured to work. For a monthly fee around 1–2% of your salary, this coverage can give peace of mind about paying your bills while you’re ill. You can buy this insurance through your employer or a private insurance company.
The payouts for different types of policies:
Yes, you can buy income protection if you apply for disability coverage today. If you’re comparing policies, consider ones with shorter waiting periods to maximize benefits if you get the coronavirus.
Also, companies might consider the coronavirus a pre-existing condition if you apply while you’re sick. In this case, you you won’t be covered for the coronavirus. Some state disability programs cover you without excluding pre-existing conditions or requiring a waiting period.
When applying, you should stay honest about your medical history, recent travel and job changes. That way the company can evaluate your risk and set an accurate premium.
Getting state disability benefits depends on what’s available in your state. State-led coverage can go several ways:
Some states like Texas and Georgia don’t offer government benefits unless you buy a policy. Other states require employers to offer disability insurance.
In both cases, claiming disability benefits looks similar to individual disability insurance. You’ll buy the policy first, then file a report with documentation with the insurance company. That means the same rules apply as usual for coronavirus claims. You may need a medical diagnosis and be unable to work to qualify.
A few states run their own short-term disability programs for workers. For example, California requires all employees to pay into its short-term disability program. If a doctor deems you unable to work because of the coronavirus, you could get these state disability benefits. The program either gives payouts until you return to work or until you max out the coverage benefits and timeframe.
You probably won’t qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the coronavirus. However, you might qualify if the coronavirus causes serious disability preventing you from working for at least a year. In some cases, you could qualify if the virus is expected to lead to your death.
You can apply for federal disability benefits through the SSA website if you qualify. You’ll need details about your medical condition, doctor’s contact details and your job history.
If income protection can’t help you during the pandemic, you have other options for getting the financial support that you need. A few options to consider:
Getting the coronavirus could qualify you for disability benefits if you’re unable to work for a long period of time. You’ll need to prove your diagnosis and complete the waiting period first. If you’re considering whether to buy a new disability insurance policy, many companies will provide coverage even if you bought a policy right before becoming ill.
You only have until the end of March to get your next application in.
Private-equity companies have about $1.6 trillion of uninvested capital to put into merger and acquisition activity. This bodes well for 2021’s IPO market.
Finder analyzes the easiest and hardest states to get disability in America, rating the top 5 best and worst states for disability approval.
Convert your 401(k) to a Roth IRA to make tax-free withdrawals at retirement. Learn more.
Smart strategies that homeowners can use to get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
A new change to the tax code quietly went into effect on January 1, lowering the minimum interest rate for permanent life insurance policies.
If you don’t need your money right now, consider investing in an HSA, blue chip stocks and more.
Learn how to get up to 10% in rewards with the loyalty program at CVS.
A permanent life insurance policy’s cash value can be used as a retirement income supplement, though using it reduces your policy’s death benefit.
Traditional IRA or Roth IRA? Find which is best for you.
Do i qualify for short term disability if dr self quarantined me due to high risk
Hello Kerry,
Thank you for contacting Finder.
I understand you’d like to know if you qualify for the short term disability if you have been self quarantined by a doctor. As checked, if you have disability insurance, you might get covered for a claim if you catch COVID-19 and can’t work for a while.
In general, short term disability benefits will likely not apply if an employee is not sick or disabled as a result of COVID-19. However, it is important to determine if the employee may be eligible for paid leave under other laws or policies, such as FFCRA, state disability, sick or family leave laws, or other policies in effect at your company.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.
Hope this helps. Should you have further questions or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Best Regards,
Robyn