As a USPS employee, you may already know that your sick leave and federal benefits can help during a short illness or injury—but they may not be enough to fully protect your income. That’s where disability insurance comes in. While USPS does not automatically provide short-term disability coverage, there are several ways to obtain it—and planning ahead can save you from financial stress down the road.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand your options and how to get covered.
1. Understand What USPS Offers (and What It Doesn’t)
USPS career employees do not receive employer-provided short-term disability insurance as part of their standard federal benefits package. While you do accrue sick leave, and long-term protections like FERS Disability Retirement exist, there is a gap in short-term income protection—especially if you suffer an injury or illness that keeps you out for more than a few weeks.
That’s where private short-term disability insurance becomes essential.
2. Know What Disability Insurance Covers
Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income if you’re unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or medical condition.
Most plans:
- Cover 60% of your income
- Have a waiting period (usually 14–30 days)
- Last for up to 12 months
- Can cover pregnancy, surgery recovery, or chronic conditions
🔹 Note: Work-related injuries are typically covered under Workers’ Compensation, not short-term disability insurance.
3. Explore Where You Can Get It
There are two main ways USPS employees can obtain disability coverage:
✅ 1. Private Insurance Providers
You can purchase individual short-term disability policies through private insurers. These plans offer:
- More flexibility in coverage amounts
- Optional long-term disability add-ons
- Portability if you leave federal service
✅ 2. Federal Employee-Specific Brokers
Some independent insurance brokers specialize in benefits for federal employees. These professionals understand how your USPS benefits interact with private coverage—and can recommend plans that fill the exact gaps in your current protection.
4. Choose the Right Coverage Amount
To avoid over- or under-insuring yourself:
- Calculate your monthly expenses
- Account for any sick leave or annual leave you’d use first
- Consider a plan that bridges the gap until FERS Disability Retirement or long-term coverage kicks in (12 months or “short-term disability insurance”)
5. Plans Are Available With No Health Questions to Qualify
Many disability insurance plans designed for federal employees are available without the need for health questionnaires or medical exams. This means you can get coverage quickly—even if you have pre-existing conditions—helping you protect your income without delay. Enrollment can be done in as little as 20 minutes.
Protect Your Income the Smart Way
If you’re a USPS employee without short-term disability coverage, you may be exposed to unnecessary risk. Even a few weeks without income due to surgery, pregnancy, or illness could create financial strain.
That’s why planning ahead is key—and we’re here to help.
✅ Ready to Get Started?
Visit FederalEmployeeInsuranceBenefits.com to explore short-term disability plans built specifically for USPS and federal employees.
Get expert guidance, competitive rates, and protection you can count on when life throws the unexpected your way.