Short Term Disability provides quick, temporary income replacement (typically 3-6 months) for short-term illnes or injury.

Typical short term disability policies cover child birth, recovery after a surgery, or a short-term illness.

The typical waiting period for a short term disability is around 14 days

Long Term Disability act the same way, but are meant for long-term conditions. Payments begin after a longer waiting period, often up to 6 months before payments begin. However, the payments can last much longer than short term policies. Some long term policies can pay for a lifetime, while others stop once you reach retirement age.

It is possible to have both types of polcies.