Mental health problems make taking time off from work essential for many. Short term disability insurance is usually used for physical illnesses, but can also apply to mental health issues. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological problems can affect your performance so much that you may need to take a break from work. In this article, we will look at how short-term disability can be used for mental health problems and what are the important aspects about it.
What is Short Term Disability Insurance?
Short-term disability insurance is an insurance policy that allows workers to protect their income while they are unable to work. Generally, this insurance is used for physical illness or injury. But even in case of mental health problems, if your condition prevents you from working, you can take advantage of this insurance.
Terms of Use this Insurance for Mental Health
To get benefits from short-term disability insurance, you need valid medical documentation to prove your mental health problem. Generally, the following conditions must be met:
Medical Document: A mental health specialist or doctor must diagnose your mental condition and confirm that you are not able to continue working.
Treatment Sessions: You must have proof that you are receiving therapy or treatment for a mental health problem.
Physical or Mental Disability: You need to prove that the mental problem has caused a disability in your daily activities.
Mental Disorders that May Qualify
Many type of mental health issues can be covered by short-term disability insurance, such as:
Depression: If you are unable to continue working due to severe depression, you can claim short-term disability.
Anxiety: If you anxiety is so severe that it prevents you from working, it may be covered by insurance.
PTSD: You can avail this benefit if you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to a traumatic event.
Bipolar Disorder: If bipolar disorder affects you work, it may also be covered under short-term disability.
Insurance Claim Process
There are certain steps you need to follow to claim short term disability:
Collection of medical reports: You will need to obtain medical evidence and diagnosis from your mental health specialist.
Application to Insurance Provider: Apply to your insurance provider, where you have to submit your medical report and other necessary information.
Processing Time: The insurance provider may take some time to verify your application. Usually, they will give a decision within a few weeks.
For how many Days are Benefits Available?
Short-term disability insurance typically provides benefits for 3 to 6 months. But it depends on the terms of your insurance policy and the severity of your mental health problem. In some cases, this time may be longer.
Challenges of Short-Term Disability for Mental Health
Although it is possible to use short-term disability for mental health problems, there are some challenges:
Evidence of Mental Problems: Proving mental problems can be a bit more difficult than physical problems, especially if the medical documentation is not clear.
Social Stigma: People often feel shy to discuss mental health issues at work or socially. As a result, many hesitate to take the necessary insurance benefits.
Preparing for the Future
If you want to use short-term disability insurance for mental health, there are a few things to be aware of:
-Get treatment for your mental problems and follow your doctor’ advice.
-Have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of the insurance and apply on time.
-If mental health support is needed in your workplace, communicate that clearly.
Conclusion
Mental health issues can have a major impact on your career, and short-term disability insurance can be an important support method for such issues. However, it is important to have a clear understanding of the conditions and procedures required to avail insurance benefits.