Can I Get Temporary Disability After Surgery?

With the advancement of healthcare treatments and medical technology, surgery has become more accessible. Approximately 15 million American adults undergo yearly surgery, primarily for musculoskeletal and cardiovascular conditions. 

However, getting surgery can often lead to financial struggles, especially for low-income individuals. Fortunately, in addition to charities and grants that help pay medical bills, low-income households may also be eligible for temporary disability after surgery. 

If you are considering surgery, ensure you have medical insurance coverage for the associated medical expenses by considering your disability benefits. You can find out more about temporary disability by reading the article below.

What Is A Short-Term Disability Plan?

Short-term Disability Insurance (SDI) is an optional insurance plan that pays you a portion of your full-time wage as compensation after your first week of missing work due to a work-related injury or disability. 

You may be entitled to receive at least 40% to 60% of your pre-injury income for no longer than six months. However, the final compensation amount, as well as other disability benefits, may vary depending on your employer's insurance provider. It should also be noted that employers usually sponsor short-term disability plans. 

How To Get Short-Term Disability For A Surgery

Getting a short-term disability for surgery can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few tips to consider when filing for a short-term disability application:

Enroll Ahead Of Time

Since it is difficult to foresee an illness or injury that necessitates surgery, we recommend having short-term disability insurance coverage as soon as possible. If you are newly employed, you may inquire about disability benefits and insurance plans with your company's HR department. 

If none is provided, paying a private insurance company would be your only option. However, when purchasing an individual disability policy, costs can vary depending on the coverage period, field of occupation, age, and gender. 

Inform Your Employer Immediately After Confirming Eligibility

Once you verify your eligibility for short-term disability, it's best to inform your employer as soon as possible to streamline the processing of your claim. With your immediate confirmation, your employer and company administration can promptly facilitate and make the necessary adjustments for your planned absence. 

Support your claim with essential documents, such as doctor's notes, diagnosis reports, and medical certificates, for smooth claims processing. You may also coordinate with your employer for any post-surgery arrangements you might require. 

If you cannot move, speak, or do anything due to your surgery, have a close friend or family member inform your employer as frequently as possible about your condition. Additionally, constantly stay in touch with your company's benefits administrator to find out when your paid leave expires and your temporary disability period starts.

Short-Term Disability Vs. Long-Term Disability Insurance

If you require a constant flow of income during your post-surgery recovery period or when you suffer a temporary disability, then short-term disability insurance (SDI) is your best option. It provides monetary compensation based on a fixed percentage of your pre-injury earnings. You are entitled to these redress payments for up to six months. 

On the other hand, long-term disability insurance provides coverage and financial assistance for serious illnesses or permanent disabilities. The coverage is typically longer and could even last for several years, depending on your disability rating and the benefit period of your insurance policy. Moreover, there is a "waiting period" before your long-term disability benefits begin, which usually starts at three months.  

How To Manage Your Finances During Recovery

Always notify your employer right away if you learn that you will need to take time off work for an extended period owing to health issues or surgical procedures. Also, be prepared if your benefits may not be provided immediately, as temporary disability claims may take time to process. 

Some plans defer income payments until after an elimination period, which can take 1 to 2 weeks. Moreover, the compensation amount may not be enough to cover your medical expenses and utility bills. 

In such situations, your spouse may apply for financial assistance under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Through this program, supplemental compensation is provided for your partner if they have to leave work to care for you while you recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding temporary disability. 

1. Can I get a disability for a short time due to surgery in California?

Short-term disability insurance provides coverage for cosmetic and elective procedures. However, your healthcare provider must affirm that the surgery prevents you from performing your regular work duties.

2. Who qualifies for a temporary disability grant?

Qualified recipients of temporary disability grants must be medically certified to have a temporary disability, either mental or physical. Additionally, this disability should prevent the employee from going to work and performing their responsibilities for at least six months but no longer than one year. 

3. Can I get a temporary disability after surgery?

Employees who may qualify for temporary disability benefits should have a medical condition that prevents them from working. This may include severe illnesses, pregnancy, or surgical procedures. 

In the event of a temporary disability or while recovering from surgery, short-term disability insurance (SDI) can provide financial assistance. However, it only offers a small amount of coverage (40–60% of pre-disability income) and for a limited period—typically no more than six months.