What does short-term disability insurance provide for employees unable to work?

Short-term disability insurance is designed to offer income replacement for employees who are temporarily unable to work due to medical issues or injuries. The key aspect of this type of insurance is that it supports employees over a limited timeframe, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the policy details.

The insurance provides a portion of the employee's salary, allowing them to meet necessary expenses while they recover and are unable to perform their job duties. This short-term financial assistance helps bridge the gap until the employee can return to work or other next steps, like transitioning into long-term disability support, if necessary.

While other options like long-term income maintenance and permanent financial assistance suggest ongoing support, they do not align with the fundamental purpose of short-term disability insurance, which is focused solely on temporary situations. Similarly, health care benefits during recovery, while important for recovery, are generally part of health insurance rather than specifically addressed in short-term disability policies. This distinction solidifies why income replacement for a limited period is the correct answer.