Short Term Disability And Workers’ Comp: What’s The Difference

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Lawyer explains differences between work injury benefits and short term disability.

Many people are confused between workers’ comp and short term disability. They can end up getting shorted on payments if they apply for the wrong benefit. To help eliminate any confusion, we explain the differences to help ensure your legal rights are protected. Here is what everyone should know about the difference between the two.

What is workers’ comp?

Workers’ comp is a safety net for employees hurt on-the-job. Almost every business in Michigan is required to have it. It pays medical bills, attendant care, mileage to and from doctor appointments, home/vehicle medications, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.

Applying for it is as easy as telling the employer about the workplace accident and requesting medical and/or paid time off. These benefits continue for the length of disability and for as long as medical treatment is needed. Payments are income-tax free.

What is short term disability?

Short term disability is a type of insurance that covers lost wages if a person cannot work because of sickness or injury. It is usually purchased through employee payroll and does not cover work injuries. The amount and duration are defined by the insurance contract. Money paid is usually taxable.

Is workers’ comp the same as short term disability?

In Michigan, short term disability and workers’ comp are not the same and have different qualifications, rules, and payout schedules. Workman’s comp is guaranteed under Michigan law and continues indefinitely. Short term disability is typically based upon an insurance contract and usually ends after six months.

Can you get workers’ comp and short term disability at the same time?

In Michigan, employees who collect workers’ comp cannot also get short term disability. It is possible to get short term disability if workman’s compensation benefits have been denied. This money typically needs to be paid back if a double recovery later occurs.

What pays more workers’ comp or short term disability?

Our experience shows that employers try to push individuals into using short term disability instead of workers’ comp. It is cheaper for them because it has a fixed end date and does not cover medical expenses. Workmans’ comp is almost always going to pay more for a serious injury.

Watch out for bad employers who want you to lie on the claim form about how or where the accident occurred. Promises to make up the difference under the table are rarely kept. Lies on claim forms can be used against a person if they ever file for a workmans comp case down the road. Do not fall into this trap and limit your recovery options!

Employees who find their work injury claims disputed can get short term disability as a stop gap measure. Reimbursement from a settlement or award is typically required. This is a good strategy when a person needs money to survive and is waiting for their worker injury claim to be settled.

We recommend speaking to a lawyer anytime workman’s compensation and short term disability are paid. It is possible to avoid reimbursement to short term disability when the money received from workmans compensation is for a different time period. It is also possible that minimum payments are still owed under the short term disability policy regardless of workmans compensation. Call for a free telephone consultation and make sure all legal rights are protected.

Injured on the job? Call now, our attorneys can help!

If you were injured on the job and have questions about short term disability and workers’ comp and need help with your claim, call now to speak with an experienced attorney, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.

Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand work injury laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.

Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

How Long Does It Take To Get Workers’ Comp Approved In Michigan?

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.