Disability Benefits
Disability benefits insurance provides temporary cash benefits paid to an eligible wage earner when he/she is disabled by an OFF THE JOB illness or injury, and for disabilities arising from pregnancies. The Disability Benefits Law provides weekly cash benefits to replace, in part, wages lost due to illness or injury that do not arise out of or in the course of employment. Disability benefits include cash payments only.
Employers are required to provide Disability Benefits Insurance to employees for off-the-job injuries or illnesses. It gives eligible wage earners who are unable to work temporary cash benefits. Benefits are paid for a maximum of 26 weeks of disability during 52 consecutive weeks. There is a 7-day waiting period where no benefits are paid. Disability Insurance pays 50% of your average wage up to a maximum of $170 per week. To qualify, you must file a claim within 30 days of becoming disabled. You must be under the care of a physician, chiropractor, podiatrist, psychologist, dentist, or certified nurse. Disability Benefits Insurance is usually purchased together with Workers Compensation.