Can I receive short-term disability benefits for COVID-19?
These are strange times. COVD-19, a coronavirus, has seriously impacted individuals’ health. It’s also seriously impacted the economy. The Kansas City area alone has hundreds of cases, resulting in sheltering in place and quarantining throughout the metropolitan area.
COVID-19 has left many unable to work. This is true for people suffering from the virus, as well as those that are unable to work because of social distancing. If you have short-term disability (STD) coverage through your employer, and you are unable to work due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for STD benefits.
But disability insurance claims are rarely easy. And most insurance companies will require COVID-19 symptoms or a diagnosis to qualify for STD benefits. The symptoms must stop you from performing your job. In other words, social distancing itself isn’t necessarily a disability. Neither is your employer’s decision to close or furlough (though you might be eligible for unemployment benefits).
Getting a COVD-19 diagnosis is not simple. Testing is limited. But if you’re experiencing symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19, schedule a visit or a tele-health appointment with your doctor. If your doctor places you under medical quarantine due to symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19, but you cannot get tested, the medical records may be helpful evidence in your STD claim.
In other words, there must be a medical reason that you aren’t able to work. A COVID-19 diagnosis or symptoms warranting a medical quarantine may make you eligible for STD benefits. But, again, social distancing is not a medical quarantine. Your medical records will be crucial.
If you need help with a STD claim, from COVID-19 or another medical condition, our office can help. With social distancing, our office lobby is closed, and we are working from home. But people still need help securing disability benefits, and we remain committed in that effort.