What is the difference between FMLA and short-term disability?

FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) is a federal law that provides certain employees with up to twelve weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain family and medical reasons. Short-term disability is a form of insurance that provides employees who are unable to work due to a medical condition with partial income replacement during their disability. The primary difference between FMLA and short-term disability is that FMLA does not provide any income replacement. It does, however, provide job protection, meaning that an employee has the right to return to their job at the end of their leave period. With short-term disability, an employee is generally not expected to return to their job until they are medically cleared to do so, but they may receive some income replacement. The other key difference between FMLA and short-term disability is who is eligible for each. To be eligible for FMLA, an employee must work at least 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months and must be employed by an employer with at least 50 employees. To be eligible for short-term disability, an employee must be enrolled in a short-term disability plan offered by their employer. In summary, the difference between FMLA and short-term disability is that FMLA provides job protection but does not provide income replacement, while short-term disability provides income replacement but does not provide job protection. Additionally, there are different eligibility requirements for each.

Related FAQs

Does my employer have to pay me while I'm on FMLA leave?
Can I take FMLA leave to care for a seriously ill family member who lives overseas?
How many days of leave am I entitled to under the FMLA?
Does my employer have to keep my job open while I'm on FMLA leave?
Can an employee take FMLA leave for a vacation?
When can I request FMLA leave?
What is the difference between FMLA and short-term disability?
Can employers require a doctor's note to verify an employee's FMLA leave?
Can I take FMLA leave to care for my elderly parent if they live in another state?
Is an employee required to pay for health benefits while on FMLA leave?

What is the difference between FMLA and short-term disability?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts