Who Completes Short Term Disability Forms?

Understanding who is responsible for completing Short Term Disability (STD) forms is crucial, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you might need to take time off work due to health issues. This blog post delves into the process of filling out STD forms, detailing who does what, and providing guidance for ensuring the process goes smoothly.

What Are Short Term Disability Forms?

Short Term Disability forms are documents that an employee or employer must complete to initiate or verify the eligibility for short term disability benefits. These benefits typically cover a portion of an employee’s salary for a limited period when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The forms serve several purposes:

• Establish the medical basis for the disability.
• Provide employment and earnings information.
• Authorize the release of medical information to the insurer.
• Document the employee’s intent to return to work or to apply for long term disability if needed.

The Parties Involved

Here’s a breakdown of the typical parties involved in filling out STD forms:

Employee

• Notifies the employer and HR of the intent to apply for STD.
• Completes the sections of the form relating to personal details, job duties, and the date when the disability began.
• May need to provide authorization for the release of medical records.

Employer

• Provides necessary employment and earnings information.
• Confirms the employee’s job description and recent performance.
• Processes the application to ensure all required fields are filled correctly.

Healthcare Provider

• Documents the medical condition or injury that prevents the employee from working.
• Completes medical certification, detailing the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan, and expected return to work date.
• May need to answer specific questions regarding the employee’s capabilities or limitations during recovery.

Insurance Company

• Reviews the completed STD forms for eligibility and accuracy.
• Approves or denies the claim based on policy terms and medical evidence provided.
• May follow up with additional questions or request further documentation if necessary.

Steps to Completing STD Forms

To ensure the process is seamless and your application is successful, follow these steps:

1. Notification

Notify your employer as soon as possible after realizing you might qualify for STD benefits. This step is crucial for a timely start to your benefits and to comply with your company’s policies regarding leave.

2. Obtain Forms

Obtain the Short Term Disability forms from your HR department, your insurance provider, or download them from the insurance company’s website if available.

3. Complete the Employee Section

Fill out your part of the form accurately and completely. Include:

• Your name, contact information, social security number, and date of birth.
• Details of your job and the date you became unable to work.
• Any additional relevant information as requested.

4. Medical Certification

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to complete the medical certification section:

• Bring the forms to your appointment.
• Explain your condition and why it prevents you from working.
• Ensure the provider understands the requirements of your employer’s STD policy.

👩‍⚕️ Note: Your healthcare provider will likely need to review your medical history or perform an examination to complete this section. This step is critical for the approval of your STD claim.

5. Employer Verification

Return the completed form to your employer’s HR department:

• They will complete the employment details and any company-specific information.
• The HR or a designated representative will send or fax the forms to the insurance provider.

6. Follow-Up

After submitting the forms:

• Keep copies for your records.
• Check in with your employer and insurance company for any updates on your application.
• Be prepared for potential follow-up questions or requests for additional documentation.

In summary, the process of filling out STD forms involves cooperation between the employee, employer, healthcare provider, and insurance company. Each party has a distinct role to ensure the employee's rights to receive disability benefits are protected. A timely and accurate submission of these forms can prevent delays in benefit payout, which can be particularly crucial during a time when the employee needs financial support due to inability to work.