Maryland short-term disability laws do not require coverage for off-the-job (non-occupational) losses lasting less than one year.
Therefore, to apply for benefits by filing a claim, you must proactively purchase a policy before getting sick, hurt, or pregnant.
On the other hand, Maryland temporary disability laws require coverage for on-the-job (occupational) losses and non-occupational medical conditions lasting at least one year.
You can apply for benefits without first taking proactive steps.
Your health and ability to earn an income might be your greatest asset. Make sure to insure it before it’s too late!
Short-Term Disability in MD
Applying for short-term disability benefits in Maryland requires a two-step process because the state does not require coverage for off-the-job accidents and illnesses.
- Buy coverage before getting sick, hurt, or pregnant
- File a claim for benefits with the issuing insurance company
Other Benefits
Many Maryland workers ask about applying for short-term disability benefits, assuming that the state requires coverage. It does not. Therefore, you may need to find alternate support.
Free government money you never pay back is available through benefit programs for low-income families that lower everyday household expenses such as energy, food, repairs, childcare, and more.
The government uses projected income (not what you earned before your disability) to qualify families for these benefits.
Private Workers
Many employees at private companies in Maryland can purchase short-term disability insurance at work – if available. The state does not require employers to offer coverage, but many do anyway.
Buying coverage outside the workplace as an individual is possible. Request a quote and complete a new policy application. You must provide evidence of good health to qualify for the coverage.
State Employees
The Maryland state government does not offer short-term disability insurance to its employees. It provides generous medical, dental, and FSA benefits but does not address income protection.
Request a personalized insurance quote for an individual policy if you work in the state government. A licensed agent can provide an estimate of monthly premiums and take your new policy application.
Federal Workers
Because Maryland is so close to Washington, D.C., many Maryland residents work for the federal government, which allows employees to purchase short-term disability through payroll allotment.
Buy short-term disability for federal employees by contacting agents specializing in this coverage option. Complete an application for coverage over the phone. Although not group coverage, the benefits are superior, and the underwriting requirements are more lenient compared to policies available to individuals.
How The Coverage Works
This rule sums up how short-term disability works in Maryland: you must buy a policy from a private insurance company before becoming sick, hurt, or pregnant. The state does not require coverage for non-occupational losses lasting less than one year.
How Long
When enrolling in coverage, the individual determines how long short-term disability lasts in Maryland. The benefit period defines the maximum number of weeks the policy will honor claims for a covered loss.
The monthly premium costs vary based on the person’s age and three policy variables selected by the applicant, which affect the monthly premiums when buying coverage.
- Benefit Period: more extended benefits cost more
- Elimination Period: longer periods cost less
- Monthly Amount: higher benefits cost more
How Much
The individual also determines how much you get for short-term disability in Maryland when enrolling. Higher benefit amounts translate into costlier monthly premiums, plus insurance companies limit what you can buy.
Calculating short-term disability pay is straightforward because the policy defines the monthly amount you purchase at enrollment. You can cover up to 66% of your income, subject to a monthly maximum of about $6,500 – if you can afford the monthly premium.
Maternity Leave
Short-term disability for maternity leave illustrates the most critical Maryland requirement. To qualify for benefits, you must purchase a policy before conception.
You can buy a new policy while pregnant, but a pre-existing health condition clause will exclude any maternity-related claims for twelve months.
However, women purchasing coverage before conception often enjoy critical maternity leave benefits, making it easier to afford to have a baby.
- Pregnancy disability leave before birth
- Recovery from labor and delivery
- Postpartum medical complications
Temporary Disability in MD
Workers in Maryland have a one-step process when applying for temporary disability benefits mandated by the state. You do not need to purchase coverage for two types of losses proactively.
- Occupational (on-the-job) incidents of any duration
- Non-occupational losses lasting at least twelve months
TDAP
The Maryland Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) helps a tiny subset of residents with nominal benefits. You must meet several strict criteria to qualify.
- Unable to work for at least three months
- Have no children under 18 living with you
- Monthly countable household income of $185 or less
- Resources must not exceed $1,500 in assets
Complete the Maryland TDAP application online at the MyMDTHINK website or contact your local Social Services office offline or in person. The meager $185 maximum monthly benefit does not go far, but every little bit helps.
Social Security
Social Security covers non-occupational temporary disabilities lasting twelve months or longer. The federal government requires all Maryland workers to contribute to the system via FICA payroll taxes.
Social Security provides for disabilities of 12 months or longer. Do not be fooled into thinking that your medical condition must be permanent or last until age 65. Trust the federal government’s definition.
“To meet our definition of disability, you must not be able to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that is either:
- Expected to result in death
- Has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers temporary occupational disabilities. Maryland requires all employers to purchase a policy for their employees, so coverage should be automatic.
Apply for temporary disability benefits through Workers’ Compensation by reporting an injury to your supervisor immediately. Then, file a claim with the insurance company chosen by your employer. Your Human Resources manager should have this information.
You might be eligible for several types of benefits.
- Medical treatment
- Transportation expenses
- Temporary wage replacement
