How does short-term disability work?

Short-term disability is meant to cover your salary — or a portion of it — during the time that you're unable to do your job due to illness, injury, or childbirth. Many large employers and unions offer it, as do several states. (It's generally provided automatically to all employees or residents, not as an optional benefit you have to sign up for.)

Parents discuss their choice to work or stay at home

If your state provides STD, you may pay a small amount out of each paycheck to cover your share. If your employer or union provides it, the cost may be covered for you. If none of them provides STD, or if the coverage is insufficient, you can purchase your own policy or additional coverage through an insurance provider for a monthly premium.

Private STD insurance through your employer or a provider will generally pay between 50 and 100 percent of your salary for a certain number of weeks, depending on how many years you've worked for the company. (The maximum amount you can receive is usually capped.)

Six weeks is the standard amount of time covered for pregnancy. Some plans allow more time if you've had complications or a cesarean delivery, and many also cover bedrest before birth.

State STD benefits typically cover half to two thirds of your salary, and the coverage for pregnancy usually lasts four to six weeks but can last up to 12 weeks. In California, for example, you're covered at 55 percent of your usual salary for up to six weeks per 12-month period. You may be able to get coverage for eight weeks or longer after the birth if you've had a c-section or medical complications, but your doctor must certify this.

If both your state and your company offer STD, you may be required to use the full state benefit and have your employer's coverage make up the rest. You'll still end up with the same amount of pay as if you were getting your employer's full benefit, but you'll get it in two checks, one from the state and one from your company's provider.

Many programs require that you be out of work for up to a week before you can start to collect disability benefits. Your employer or your state's program may require you to use up your accrued sick days or vacation days before your disability benefits kick in. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as those days are paid at your full salary.