How short-term disability coverage complements PFML
As paid family and medical leave (PFML) laws expand across the US, more employees are covered for absences to recover from their own illness or injury, or care for a loved one. But short-term disability (STD) coverage is still a crucial employee benefit to provide.
State PFML programs offer a foundational level of coverage that allow employees to take leave for themselves or a covered family member or other individual.¹ But state PFML programs often comes with benefit limitations, potentially leaving income gaps that could put employee financial wellness at risk. With STD insurance from Guardian, you're prepared to provide powerful disability benefits that not only help replace income, but also support employee well-being and help simplify the return to work.
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Leave time available
PFML leave time varies, but typically provides coverage for up to 12 weeks per year. While it's a good start, this can leave employees financially vulnerable beyond that. STD insurance, while customizable at the company level, typically provides coverage for up to 26 weeks per qualifying event (which can happen more than once per year). And should an employee's leave extend beyond 26 weeks, STD insurance can serve as a waiting period to transition to an LTD leave – without interrupting their benefits.
Higher wage replacement
PFML benefits provide a weekly payment, with the maximum amount determined by the state. STD benefits pay a percentage of an employee's salary during their leave, with the average being 60%. Employers also have the option to choose a richer benefit. When both benefits are offered to help provide comprehensive support, employees can count on their STD plan to supplement their PFML benefit and receive the highest amount of financial protection they're entitled to.
48%
of US workers say “money/finances” are their top stress in life³
46%
of US workers say they’d face financial hardship if they didn’t have the benefits they get through work⁴
4 in 10
US workers are living paycheck to paycheck⁵
Comprehensive benefits help attract and retain top talent
In a competitive job market, exceptional benefit packages set companies apart. Offering STD insurance in addition to state-mandated PFML demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being — mind, body, and wallet®.
And to help employees receive optimal support during leaves and return to work feeling their best, we’ve also embedded caregiving support services and enhanced rehabilitation services into our STD plans. In some cases, our offerings can even help prevent a leave in the first place. This proactive approach not only attracts top talent, but also helps retain existing employees by showing they’re worth investing in. Because when life happens, we're at the ready.
Learn more about employer-provided disability insurance and its built-in benefits.
1 Covered individuals vary by state. Please refer to the specific state PFML page for benefit provisions.
2 Limitations may apply, please refer to your STD policy for further information.
3, 4, 5 Mind, Body, and Wallet Report – Guardian, 2024
Wellthy, Inc. (“Wellthy”) is a vendor to The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (“Guardian”). Wellthy and Guardian are not affiliated entities. Wellthy provides a care coordinator to integrate separately retained caregiver resources (e.g., senior care, childcare, etc.) for the benefit of a member or their permitted dependents (“services”). Guardian does not control or provide any part of the services and does not bear any liability for their provision. This informational resource is not a contract and is for illustrative purposes only. Only the policy contains applicable terms. Guardian and Wellthy reserve the right to discontinue services at any time without notice. Services may not be available in all states.
Guardian’s Group Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance is underwritten and issued by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Products are not available in all states. Policy limitations and exclusions apply. Optional riders and/or features may incur additional costs. Generic Policy Form #s GP-1-LTD-15 and GP-1-STD-15. The state approved form is the governing document.
Guardian® is a registered trademark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY and is used with permission. ©2025 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. All rights reserved.