What's the difference between group STD and group LTD?
Group Short-Term Disability (STD) pays benefits for a short period (typically 13–26 weeks) after a brief elimination period (1–14 days). Designed to bridge until either return to work or LTD kicks in. Group Long-Term Disability (LTD) pays benefits for a longer period (2 years, 5 years, or to age 65/67) after a longer elimination period (90 or 180 days). LTD is the materially more important coverage — it protects against career-ending disabilities that exhaust short-term coverage. For NY employers, see the NY Note on how DBL interacts with private STD.
- Category
- Employee Benefits
- Audience
- Pre-purchase guidance
- Topic
- Employee Benefits
Related FAQs
Can I use a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) or association plan instead?
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Read answerDo voluntary benefits coordinate with major medical?
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Read answerDo voluntary benefits cost the employer anything?
Generally no — premiums are 100% employee-paid through payroll deduction. Some employers pick up a portion of premium as a richer benefit (especially for groups looking to differentiate). The administrative cost of offering voluntary benefits is real but small: enrollment communications, payroll integration, claims questions handling. Most carriers in this space provide turnkey enrollment platforms and call center support to make administration light.
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