Short-Term Disability Insurance – Stay Afloat During Short Absences

Temporary income protection for the weeks when you can’t clock in.


When a short illness, accident, or recovery period pulls you away from work, short-term disability insurance helps keep your finances stable. Whether you're navigating recovery from surgery, a complicated pregnancy, or a simple broken bone, a short-term disability insurance plan in Colorado ensures you’re not facing lost wages alone.


At GRC Insurance Agency, we help Colorado individuals, families, and business owners explore STD insurance and related coverage options. From Aurora to the Denver Tech Center and beyond, we’re here to make sense of your income protection strategy.

How Short-Term Disability Insurance Works

Short-term disability (STD) insurance provides a temporary paycheck—usually covering 50% to 70% of your income—if you’re unable to work due to a qualified medical condition. It kicks in quickly, often after a 7 to 14-day waiting period, and lasts for a few weeks to six months, depending on the policy.


It’s designed for non-permanent conditions like:


  • Recovery after surgery
  • Serious illness (e.g., pneumonia, mono)
  • Injuries like sprains or fractures
  • Childbirth and maternity recovery

Coverage Details: Duration, Percentages & Qualifications

A typical STD plan offers:

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Benefit Duration

13 to 26 weeks

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Income Replacement

Up to 70% of gross income

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Waiting Period

Often just 7 days

While many Colorado employers offer short-term disability as part of their group benefits, not everyone has access. If your workplace doesn’t offer STD—or you’re self-employed or a contractor—we can help explore temporary disability coverage or comparable protection through other policy types.

Does Short-Term Disability Insurance Cover Maternity Leave in Colorado?

Yes, many STD plans do include maternity leave coverage. For a standard, uncomplicated delivery, the benefit period is typically 6 weeks (or 8 weeks for a C-section). If there are complications, coverage can extend further with documentation from your healthcare provider.


Important note: You must have the policy in place before becoming pregnant to use STD benefits for maternity leave. Planning ahead is essential.

Can I Get Short-Term Disability Insurance on My Own?

Individual STD policies are less common than group options, but they do exist—especially through specific carriers or in combination with accident and sickness insurance. If a standalone policy isn’t available, GRC Insurance Agency will explore alternative solutions, such as:


  • Critical illness insurance
  • Hospital indemnity plans
  • Accident insurance riders


These can help bridge gaps if traditional STD isn’t an option.


We’ll also help you balance short-term needs with long-term planning—so your policy mix works if you’re away from work for a week or several months.

STD vs LTD – What’s More Important?

Short-term and long-term disability serve different roles:

  • STD: Immediate protection for temporary conditions
  • LTD: Income support for serious disabilities that last for years or permanently


While LTD is often more essential (and harder to self-fund), STD can offer added peace of mind—especially for those without sick leave or who are self-employed.


“Often, we recommend prioritizing long-term disability insurance for foundational coverage, and layering STD only if needed. We’ll help assess whether your current savings, sick leave, or benefits plan already cover the short-term window.”

Learn More About Long-Term Disability Insurance »

Self-Employed in Colorado? You May Still Have Options

If you’re your own boss and worried about short-term income loss, GRC Insurance Agency can walk you through disability policies that fit your role and risk. Whether it’s maternity coverage, injury recovery, or illness downtime, short-term disability for self-employed professionals is available in some cases.

Get Income Protection That Starts When You Need It Most

Even a short break from work can create a long-term financial gap. We’ll help you navigate short-term disability insurance in Colorado—and show you whether it makes sense to add this protection to your plan.


Call (303) 418-4414 or contact us today to get a quote or speak directly with a specialist.