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Short-Term Disability Insurance (STDI)

Short-Term Disability helps you when you cannot work for more than 30 days because of a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. This benefit is part of the State of Delaware’s Disability Insurance Program (DIP) administered by The Hartford. If you are covered under DIP, you receive this benefit automatically once you meet eligibility rules.

If you become disabled, your Short-Term Disability benefits begin on the 31st day of your disability. This is because the program requires a 30-day waiting period. Once your claim is approved, you receive 75% of your base pay. If you want to receive full pay, you may use sick, annual, compensatory, or donated leave to make up the remaining portion. This gives you flexibility to choose what works best for your situation.

Short-Term Disability can last up to 182 days, unless you return to work sooner or your doctor clears you for modified duties. You continue to earn pension-creditable service and you remain eligible for State health coverage during approved disability leave, as long as you follow the program’s requirements.

To use this benefit, you must file a claim with the State’s disability carrier. Your doctor will need to send medical information that supports your disability, and you must respond to any requests from the carrier. This helps prevent delays with your payments.

If you think you may be out of work for more than 30 days, please contact the ACT Team. We will help you understand the process, communicate with your agency, and stay on track with your claim. We are here to support you while you focus on your health and recovery.