Short term disability (STD)

Income replacement for shorter absences, before LTD begins.

STD covers the early weeks of a disability, typically bridging from the end of any sick-leave entitlement to the start of LTD. Benefit periods commonly run 15 to 26 weeks.

STD design should align precisely with the LTD elimination period; a gap between the two leaves employees unpaid at the worst possible moment.

What this means for a BC plan

Check STD design against BC employment standards leave entitlements and any EI sickness benefit interaction so the layers connect rather than overlap or leave a gap.

Related terms

Where this comes up

Disability coverage · All glossary terms · Ask an advisor directly

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