Many different types of medical issues can leave people unable to work. Employees in well-established careers may have workplace benefits that can help them after they develop a disabling medical condition. Employers may provide long-term disability insurance coverage or short-term disability insurance, possibly both, as part of a comprehensive benefits package. Employees who become unable to work because of an injury or an illness can apply for disability benefits to replace their wages until they return to work.
A cancer diagnosis could leave someone unable to work. The cancer itself can cause debilitating symptoms, and the employee may be at risk of treatment-related complications as well. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments are notorious for making people incredibly ill.
Does a worker facing a cancer diagnosis need long-term disability benefits or short-term disability benefits?
Every cancer case is unique
The type of cancer that a worker has, the stage of development at the time of their diagnosis and the best treatment options all influence the kind of benefits they require. An individual recently diagnosed with skin cancer might only require a few days away from work after removal surgery. Those who have to undergo a bone marrow transplant or systemic chemotherapy might be in treatment for a year or even longer.
The duration of treatment influences the type of benefits the worker may require. Every short-term disability policy is different. Some short-term disability policies provide three months of coverage, while others might cover workers for six months or even longer.
A review of policy documents can help a worker identify whether short-term disability coverage may protect them for the duration of their cancer treatments. If it does not, then they may need to apply for long-term disability benefits as they approach the end of their short-term disability coverage.
Employer-sponsored disability benefits are subject to regulations under federal statutes. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) regulates the benefits including disability coverage, not just retirement accounts and pensions. Employees may need help learning about their rights under ERISA and how to handle an ERISA disability benefits claim.
Those coping with a recent cancer diagnosis may need ERISA long-term or short-term disability benefits to cover their cost-of-living expenses while they undergo treatment and recover from their illness. Learning more about how ERISA protects workers can help those making a claim, appealing a decision or evaluating their options after an unfair denial of benefits.