What happens to my insurance when I need to take off work for a serious injury?

Question:  

I’m having surgery and my doctor says it will take me over a month to recover.  I currently have health insurance through my employer and only 6 sick days remaining for the year. I can’t afford to lose a month’s worth of paychecks. How do other people afford to take off work when they have a serious injury? 

Answer:

Does your employer offer short term disability insurance?

Short-term disability is basically protection for your paycheck. It’s designed for situations exactly like yours.

People hear disability and they think permanent, but a disability can be anything that leaves you unable to work for longer than your allotted sick days allow. So in the event something happens that leaves you unable to work, you continue to get paid until you are healthy enough to return to work.

Short-term disability protects your paycheck and allows you to maintain your standard of living when you become disabled for up to six months.  The benefits will replace a portion of your salary if you’re out of work due to a qualified illness or injury such as your surgery.