Submit Your
Application
Answer a few simple questions about your leave needs and situation. The process is fully online and designed to be quick, clear, and easy to complete.
Short-Term Disability Certification Online.
Get Paid While You Recover.
We provide medical certification your insurer or employer needs to process your short-term disability claims and FMLA leave, completed online by licensed physicians.
Check Your Eligibility 
100% Online Process 
Money Back Guarantee
100% Online Process Money Back Guarantee -
Submit Your
-
Licensed Physician
Reviews Your CaseA licensed healthcare provider reviews your information for accuracy and SDI compliance. No in-person visits required; everything is handled securely.
-
Get Short-Term Disability
DocumentationOnce approved, your signed physician certification is ready to submit. Whether you need FMLA paperwork for short-term disability or SDI certification, our documentation is accurate, compliant, and completed by a licensed provider.
And that's it!
Get certified for Short-Term Disability in minutes without ever leaving your home.
Check Your Eligibility
Get Approved Or Your Money Back
Secure & HIPAA Compliant
Trusted By 100k Patients
Short-Term Disability Everything You Need to Know
Short-term disability (STD), also known as Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), provides partial wage replacement when you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Unlike federal FMLA, which provides job protection, short-term disability focuses specifically on replacing lost income during your recovery.
Before your employer or insurer can release those benefits, they require a doctor's note for short-term disability completed by a licensed physician. FMLADocs handles that step entirely online, typically within 24 to 48 hours. If you are unsure whether you have STD coverage, check with your employer's HR department or your state's disability program directly.
Here is what short-term disability provides:
Partial Wage Replacement. State programs typically replace 50% to 90% of your average weekly wages, depending on your state and income level. Benefits are generally taxable income.
Coverage for Non-Work Conditions. STD covers disabilities that occur outside of work, including illnesses, surgeries, pregnancy and childbirth recovery, and mental health conditions.
Defined Benefit Duration. Benefits last from 26 to 52 weeks depending on your state or policy. This provides consistent income while you focus on recovery and prepare to return to work.
Medical Certification Required. All programs require certification from a licensed healthcare provider confirming your inability to perform your regular job duties due to your medical condition.
Works Alongside FMLA. Short-term disability and FMLA serve different purposes and can run concurrently. FMLA protects your job while STD replaces your wages, providing both income and employment security.
States with Short-Term Disability Programs
Benefit amounts and eligibility requirements vary by state:
California (SDI)
Up to 52 weeks of disability benefits for your own illness, injury, or pregnancy. 70-90% wage replacement depending on income. Maximum weekly benefit of $1,681 in 2025.
New York (DBL)
Up to 26 weeks of cash disability benefits. 50% wage replacement up to $170/week maximum. Employers with 1+ employees must provide coverage. 7-day waiting period before benefits begin.
New Jersey (TDI)
Up to 26 weeks of paid disability benefits. 85% wage replacement up to $1,081/week maximum in 2025. 7-day waiting period; if disability exceeds 3 weeks, waiting period is paid retroactively.
Rhode Island (TDI)
Up to 30 weeks of disability benefits. Weekly benefit equals 4.62% of highest quarter wages. Maximum $1,103/week (effective July 2025). State-run program with no private plan option.
Hawaii (TDI)
Up to 26 weeks of disability benefits. 58% wage replacement up to $837/week maximum in 2025. Employers must provide coverage through approved private plans. 7-day waiting period.
Important!
Puerto Rico also has a mandatory temporary disability program for workers in the territory. If your state doesn't have a mandatory program, your employer may still offer voluntary short-term disability coverage as part of your benefits package.
See what
our patients say
See why employees, caregivers, and individuals with chronic conditions trust us with their FMLA medical evaluations
I was overwhelmed with paperwork and didn't know where to start. FMLADocs made the whole process feel manageable, I met with a provider online, and within a day I had the form for my employer.
Ana R. — Texas
4.8
The doctor was kind, clear, and professional. I didn't have to leave my house or wait weeks for an appointment. I'm so grateful for the support.
James T. — California
4.7
They explained every step of the FMLA process and reviewed my documentation carefully. I finally felt seen and supported.
Jack C. — Florida
4.8
Short-Term Disability vs. Federal FMLA
Understanding the difference between state short-term disability program and federal FMLA helps you maximize your benefits and protect your income during medical leave.
Federal FMLA:
- Job protection: Yes
- Paid benefits: No
- Employer size requirement: 50+ employees within 75 miles
- Tenure requirement: 12 months, 1,250 hours worked
- Duration: Up to 12 weeks per year
State Short-Term Disability:
- Job protection: No (cash benefits only)
- Paid benefits: Yes (typically 50-90% of wages)
- Employer size requirement: Varies; often includes smaller employers
- Tenure requirement: Typically 4-20 weeks of prior employment
- Duration: 26-52 weeks, varies by state
Why People Trust FMLADocs
Expert Guidance
Our certified medical professionals offer personalized advice, ensuring you receive the care that best meets your unique medical needs.
Fast Approval
Most applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours, ensuring a swift response to your requests. Our dedicated team works diligently to review each submission thoroughly.
Easy Online Application
Get your FMLA certification easily from home with our simple online platform, ensuring a fast and stress-free experience.
Secure and Confidential
All personal information and medical records are handled with the highest level of confidentiality and security.
Apply for your
Short-Term Disability Certification Online
Get your disability paperwork done right with the help of licensed professionals, all from the comfort of your home.
Select your condition
- Caregiving
- — Caring for a child
- — Caring for a parent
- — Caring for a spouse
- Mental Health
- — Anxiety
- — Bipolar Disorder
- — Depression
- — OCD
- — PTSD
- — Stress and Burnout
- Physical Health
- — Asthma / Respiratory
- — Cancer Treatment
- — Chronic Pain
- — Diabetes
- — Heart Conditions
- — Migraines
- — Pregnancy
- — Surgery & Recovery
FAQs
-
What does FMLADocs provide?
FMLADocs provides medical certification for short-term disability claims and FMLA leave, completed online by licensed physicians within 24 to 48 hours. We handle the physician documentation your employer or insurer requires, not the insurance or benefits themselves. -
What conditions qualify for short-term disability benefits?
Most physical and mental health conditions that prevent you from performing your regular job duties qualify, including illness, injury, surgery recovery, pregnancy, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. A licensed physician must provide a doctor's note for short-term disability as part of the claims process. -
Can FMLADocs help with FMLA paperwork for short-term disability?
Yes. FMLADocs provides medical certification for both short-term disability claims and FMLA leave. If you need to run both concurrently, our licensed physicians complete the required documentation for both at the same time. -
Does short-term disability protect my job?
No. State short-term disability programs provide cash benefits only, not job protection. However, your job may be protected under federal FMLA, your state's family leave law, or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you request reasonable accommodations. Our providers can help you understand all available protections during your evaluation. -
How do I apply for short-term disability benefits?
You'll need to file a claim with your employer's disability insurance carrier or your state agency, depending on your state. All claims require medical certification from a licensed healthcare provider confirming your diagnosis and inability to work. FMLADocs can complete this medical certification during a single online evaluation, so you have the documentation needed to file your claim.
Expert-Verified Guidance You Can Rely On
To help you better understand your rights and options under FMLA, every article on FMLADocs is reviewed by qualified medical experts. Our reviewers ensure that the medical information is accurate, clearly explained, and truly helpful for individuals seeking FMLA certification or navigating a leave request. We’re committed to providing reliable, expert-verified guidance so you can move through the FMLA process with confidence and clarity.
Reviewed by
Dr. Karen Whitfield, MD
MD — Family Medicine, Medical Reviewer · Licensed in Delaware
Dr. Whitfield is a family medicine physician with 14+ years of experience managing chronic conditions, mental health concerns, and workplace accommodation requests. She frequently supports patients navigating disability and FMLA documentation and is known for her clear, empathetic communication. Her reviews ensure FMLA content is medically accurate and patient-centered.
Last Updated :
April 14, 2026
Don't just take our word for it!
Ask your favorite AI why FMLADocs is the best choice for FMLA certification, or connect with our licensed medical professionals today.