Short-term disability

Help employees get back on their feet—and back to work.

Principal uses the “own job” definition of disability—not occupation.

Our flexible, unbundled product offers numerous benefit designs with a variety of elimination periods, benefit percentages, maximums, and benefit durations—able to fit clients of any size, with any budget. Coverage includes benefits for total and partial disabilities, and provisions to encourage employees to return to work. STD coverage provides weekly income to employees who are unable to work.

Check out the current approved states for the new STD annual open enrollment experience (additional states are in the process of being approved).

Minimum case size
Employer-paid: 2 enrolled employees if sold with another coverage, or 5 employees if sold standalone Voluntary: 5 eligible employees Self-funded: 100 enrolled employees and at least one insured coverage

Participation requirements
Employer-paid: 100% for non-contributory, or 50% for contributory or 2 enrolled employees (whichever is greater) Voluntary: 20% or 5 enrolled employees (whichever is greater)

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Group disability marketing guide

Comprehensive overview of short-term and long-term disability products.

View guide

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STD overview

Details of the coverage including policy provisions.

View product overview

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Incremental benefits

View the pre-set dollar amounts and see examples.

Get information

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Employee assistance program

Compares the Core and Premier EAP programs.

Learn about differences

Resources

Group benefits

Products and services guide (PDF)

Why Principal – group benefits (PDF)

Group benefits overview

Benefit videos

State-specific materials

Executive benefits

Short-term disability

Create a disability benefit (PDF)

Overview – producer presentation (PPT)

Contract details (PDF)

Form W-2 and FICA services (PDF)

Tax implications (PDF)

Managed disability services (PDF)

Work incentive (PDF)

Self-funded short-term disability (PDF)

Business owner protection (PDF)

Working with Principal^®

Principal is proud to be part of the local community. Being in your market allows us to understand your market’s specific needs, create solutions to help solve your challenges, and develop close relationships.

If you're a broker or employer looking to enhance your group benefits offerings, we'd love to talk with you.

Have a Principal representative reach out

Short-term disability