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Get Short-Term Disability Certification Online Today

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jason Buchwald, Board Certified MD — Last updated March 2026
A board-certified provider evaluates your condition and completes your short-term disability paperwork — including state programs, employer plans, and private insurance claims.
Fully licensed doctors
100% Money-Back  Guarantee
4.8/5
from 250,000+ patients

ACCEPTED BY ALL MAJOR EMPLOYERS

What Is Short-Term Disability?

Income replacement — not job protection. That's the core distinction.
Short-term disability (STD) is insurance that replaces a portion of your income when a medical condition prevents you from working. It is not job protection — that's what FMLA provides. And unlike workers' compensation, short-term disability covers non-work-related conditions: illnesses, injuries, surgeries, pregnancy, and mental health conditions that happen outside the workplace.
What You Get Paid
50–70%
of your base salary
STD Benefit
Gap
Your full salary
Capped by plan or state maximum
How Long It Lasts
3-6
months
Most employer plans. State programs vary — California's SDI can last up to 52 weeks.
Day 1
7-14 days
3 months
6 months
Benefits don't start on day one — there's a 7-14 day waiting period

Where Does Coverage Come From?

EMPLOYER BENEFIT

Employer Short-Term Disability

An insurance benefit your employer provides (or you purchase through work) that replaces 50-70% of your wages when a medical condition prevents you from working. Typically lasts 3-6 months.
WHAT DOES EMPLOYER STD COVER?
Your own illness or injury
Pregnancy and postpartum recovery
Surgery and recovery periods
Mental health conditions
STATE LAW

State Disability Insurance (SDI/TDI)

Five states and Puerto Rico mandate disability insurance programs funded through payroll deductions. These provide partial wage replacement when you can't work due to a non-work-related illness or injury.
STATES WITH MANDATORY PROGRAMS
California (SDI) — up to 52 weeks
New York (DBL) — up to 26 weeks
New Jersey (TDI) — up to 26 weeks
Rhode Island (TDI) — up to 30 weeks
Hawaii (TDI) — up to 26 weeks
INDIVIDUAL POLICY

Private Short-Term Disability Insurance

An individual policy you purchase directly from an insurance company — not through your employer. Ideal for self-employed individuals, gig workers, or anyone whose employer doesn't offer STD coverage.
What Does FMLA Cover?
You choose your benefit amount and waiting period
Portable — stays with you if you change jobs
Available to self-employed and freelancers
Benefits are tax-free (you paid premiums with after-tax dollars)
Federal Law

FMLA - Protects Your Job

Up to 12 weeks of leave where your employer must hold your position and continue your health benefits. Take it all at once, intermittently, or as a reduced schedule.
What Does FMLA Cover?
STD pays you while you're off work
FMLA protects your job and health insurance
They run concurrently (same 12 weeks)
TrustMedical certifies both in one visit
FMLA eligibility checker on mobile phone

Who Qualifies for Short-Term Disability?

Eligibility depends on your employment status, your plan's specific terms, and whether your condition meets the definition of "disability" under your coverage.
01

You must have a qualifying medical condition.

Your condition must prevent you from performing the material duties of your specific job — not just any job. This is called the "own occupation" standard and it's how most STD plans define disability.
02

You must be employed (or recently employed).

Most employer plans require you to be actively employed when the disability begins. State programs typically require a minimum earnings history — for example, California SDI requires $300 in wages during a base period.
03

There's a waiting period before benefits start.

Called an "elimination period," this is typically 7-14 days for illness and sometimes 0 days for accidents or hospitalizations. Benefits don't start on day one.
04

Pre-existing conditions may be excluded.

Many employer plans exclude conditions you were treated for in the 3-12 months before your coverage began. Check whether this limitation applies to your plan.
05

You need medical certification from a licensed provider.

A licensed healthcare provider must document your diagnosis, functional limitations, treatment plan, and expected duration. This is the most critical document in the entire process.
Not sure if you qualify? TrustMedical evaluates your situation and identifies every program you're eligible for in a single visit.

From Initial Approval, to Return to Work We've Got You

Most services hand you forms and disappear. We stay with you through every step.

Real Evaluations by Board Certified Providers

Take our 3 minute quiz, then meet with a licensed provider via video. They evaluate whether you qualify for FMLA, Paid Leave, Disability, ADA Accommodations.

Forms Completed in 48hrs.
Never Miss an HR Deadline.

All forms are completed in 48 hours guaranteed.
Submit forms on time, every time.

HR Has Questions? We Handle It.

If your employer needs clarification, or changes - We take care of it at no extra cost. Free modifications, forever.
One Visit. Everything Handled.
Most people qualify for multiple programs but don't know it. Trust Medical figures out what applies to you and handles all the documentation in one 15-minute video consultation.
Short-Term Disability Certification
(income replacement)
FMLA Certification
(job protection)
Paid Leave Documentation
(state wage replacement)
ADA Accommodation Letters
(workplace changes)
Return-to-Work Clearance
(when you're ready)
One Time Flat Fee
No Subscriptions
35% Discount - Limited Time!
$174.99
$269.99
100% money-back guarantee if not approved

What Situations Does Short-Term Disability Cover?

Coverage depends on your state, your employer, and your specific situation. Here's a quick breakdown of what's typically covered by each program.
Your Situation
Employer
STD
Paid Family
Leave
State
Disability
FMLA
Maternity Leave
Time off for pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Paternity Leave
Time off for fathers to bond with a new child
No
Yes
No
Yes
Caring for a Sick Family Member
Spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
No
Yes
No
Yes
Your Own Serious Illness
Cancer, surgery recovery, chronic condition flare-up, etc.
Yes
Some states
Yes
Yes
Mental Health
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, burnout, or other conditions
Yes
Some states
Yes
Yes
Bereavement
Time off after the death of a family member
No
No
No
No
Sick Leave (Short-Term)
A few days off for cold, flu, or minor illness
No
No
No
No
Adoption / Foster Care
Bonding time with a newly placed child
No
Yes
No
Yes
Covered
Depends on state
Not covered by this program
Not sure which programs cover your situation?
TrustMedical evaluates you for all programs in one visit — one price.
HELPING YOU SAVE MONEY

Many Health Insurers Reimburse up to 100%

We provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Many patients pay $0 out of pocket.

Real Stories From Real Patients

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Verified TrustMedical patient review
Kelsey B.
‍Pennsylvania
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March 24, 2025
A service you can trust!
"My entire experience was easy, quick & extremely pleasant! Now the BEST part is you're dealing with REAL HUMAN BEINGS! I will absolutely recommend My Trust Medical to everyone..hopefully you all have the pleasure of having Michael &/or James in your corner as I had today! They are both dolls!"
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Wesley B.
Alabama
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April 8, 2025
The customer service was awesome
"Recently received a note from Trust Medical and the service was incredible! The note was delivered to me promptly and I even received exceptional support for a follow-up concern!"
Verified TrustMedical patient review
Maria G.
South Carolina
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March 21, 2025
They take away the stress.
"I genuinely love this website. It’s the second time I used it and I never been more grateful that something like this exists. It goes through a legit doctor so you don’t have to worry about false documents. And it literally the cost of me same amount as my co-pay without any extra charge."

Backed by the country's leading Medical Leave & Labor Law Experts

Trust Medical's world-leading experts and advisors enable us to deliver high-quality medical leave evaluations, certifications, and support at scale. Their combined medical and labor law expertise guides our standards and makes it easier for millions of patients to take the time they need to fully recover and get back to their day to day lives.
Board-certified 20+ years experience in medical specialties
Industry innovations Published studies in top medical journals
Policy expertise Deep knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and state leave laws
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Benjamin Wallace
Board Certified DO — Emergency Medicine
Specializes in comprehensive primary care with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive medicine.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr Asad Niazi
Board Certified MD — Internal Medicine
Specializes in comprehensive primary care with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive medicine.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Jason Buchwald
Board Certified MD — Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine specialist with deep expertise in acute care evaluations and medical certifications.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Abhishek Patel
Board Certified DO — Osteopathic Medicine
Whole-patient approach specialist focused on musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, and rehabilitation.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Benjamin Wallace
Board Certified DO — Emergency Medicine
Specializes in comprehensive primary care with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive medicine.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr Asad Niazi
Board Certified MD — Internal Medicine
Specializes in comprehensive primary care with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive medicine.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Jason Buchwald
Board Certified MD — Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine specialist with deep expertise in acute care evaluations and medical certifications.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Abhishek Patel
Board Certified DO — Osteopathic Medicine
Whole-patient approach specialist focused on musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, and rehabilitation.
STATE PROGRAMS

Does Your State Require Disability Insurance?

Five states require employers to provide disability coverage through payroll-funded programs. If you work in one of these states, you likely already have coverage — even if your employer doesn't offer a private plan.
See full state-by-state breakdown

How to File a Short-Term Disability Claim

The process is straightforward, but the details matter. Here's what to do step by step.

Notify Your Employer or HR Department

Let them know you need to take disability leave. They'll direct you to the appropriate insurance carrier or state program and provide any employer-specific forms.

Request Claim Forms

Get the required forms from your employer's insurance carrier (e.g., MetLife, Guardian, Hartford), your state disability agency, or your private insurance company. Most have an employee section and a medical provider section.

Have Your Medical Provider Complete the Certification

This is the most critical step. Your provider must document your diagnosis, explain how your condition prevents you from performing your job duties, outline your treatment plan, and provide an expected return-to-work date.

Submit the Completed Claim

Send all completed forms to your insurance carrier or state agency. Keep copies of everything. Most carriers accept submissions online, by fax, or by mail.

Wait for Determination

Typical processing time is 1-3 weeks for employer plans and 2-4 weeks for state programs. The carrier may request additional medical documentation during this period.

Benefits Begin After the Elimination Period

If approved, benefits start after your plan's waiting period (typically 7-14 days from the date of disability). Payments are usually made weekly or biweekly via direct deposit.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Board Certified Providers
Thorough clinical assessments that meet carrier requirements
The medical certification is the most important part of the process. Incomplete or vague documentation is the #1 reason claims get denied.
vaginal delivery
~6
weeks
typical STD coverage
c-section
~8
weeks
typical STD coverage

Short-Term Disability for Pregnancy & Maternity Leave

Pregnancy is one of the most common reasons people use short-term disability. Most plans cover approximately 6 weeks for vaginal delivery and 8 weeks for c-section, though exact duration varies by your specific employer plan or state program. Coverage typically begins after a 7-14 day waiting period. Complications like preeclampsia or bed rest may extend coverage further.
How maternity STD works with other programs
FMLA
Protects your job for 12 weeks while STD pays you
Paid Family Leave
Can extend paid time off for bonding after STD ends
State Disability
In CA, NY, NJ, RI, HI — state program may provide benefits instead of/in addition to employer STD
Your provider handles STD, FMLA, and state paid leave documentation in a single visit.

Short-Term Disability for Mental Health

Mental health conditions are covered by short-term disability — just like any physical illness. Here's what qualifies and how the process works.
Conditions that qualify
Major depression
Generalized anxiety disorder
PTSD & trauma disorders
Bipolar disorder
Severe burnout
Panic disorder
OCD (when it impairs work)
What you'll need
Medical certification from a licensed provider
Documentation that the condition impairs your ability to work
Treatment plan (therapy, medication, or both)
Your provider's clinical assessment of severity
TrustMedical providers specialize in mental health disability certifications — no stigma, no judgment, just proper documentation.
Most people qualify for both — and TrustMedical handles both certifications in one visit.

Short-Term Disability vs. FMLA

They're different programs that solve different problems — but they work best together.
Purpose
Replaces your income
Protects your job
Paid?
Yes — 50-70% of wages
Protects your job
Duration
3-6 months (varies)
12 weeks
Source
Employer, state, or private
Federal law
Covers
Your own medical condition
Own + family care + bonding
Employer size
No minimum (depends on plan)
50+ employees

What about Long-Term Disability?

Short-Term
3-6 months
50-70% of salary
7-14 day wait
Temporary conditions
Long-Term
Years or until retirement
50-60% of salary
90-180 day wait
Chronic/permanent conditions

Why Claims Get Denied — And What to Do About It

Most denials are preventable. Here are the top reasons — and how to fight back if it happens.
Missing or late paperwork
TrustMedical completes all forms within 48 hours
Pre-existing condition exclusion
We document your condition to navigate exclusion clauses
Insufficient medical documentation
Our providers write detailed clinical assessments
Condition doesn't meet plan definition
We tailor documentation to your plan's specific standard
If your claim is denied, here's what to do:
1
Request the denial in writing
You have the right to the specific reason — not just a generic letter.
2
File a formal appeal within 180 days
ERISA plans allow 180 days. State programs have their own timelines (typically 20-30 days).
3
Gather additional documentation
Updated medical records, functional capacity evaluations, treatment notes, and test results.
4
Get a supplemental provider statement
A detailed letter directly addressing the denial reason is often the difference.
Need help with an appeal? TrustMedical providers can review your denial and prepare supplemental medical documentation — including detailed functional assessments and provider statements that address the specific reason for denial.
180
Days to file an appeal (ERISA)
#1
Denial reason: insufficient documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this service legally compliant?

Yes! We only work with board certified doctors and we match you to a provider who is licensed in your state. Every provider thoroughly reviews your intake and then makes a decision on whether to approve a doctors note. Employers love us because of our strict adherence to all laws as well as the fact that our service is powered by real people who you can get on the phone with quickly to verify the authentcity of our notes.

What sets Trust Medical apart?

People trust us. We recognize the importance of your job and your academic standing, which is why we adhere to the highest standards of integrity and ensure we're fully compliant.

Additionally, we know this process can be anxiety inducing, which is why we take pride on our customer support and we make it extremely easy to speak to us and help you get your issues resolved.

We believe so much in what we do that we offer an 100% money back guarantee.

All of our doctors credentials are public and easily verifiable. Additionally, all of our certifications & evaluations are completed to the highest standard and contain all the details your employer or school needs to feel confident.

We set the standard for FMLA certifications.

What is a doctor's note?

A doctor's note is an official medical document that verifies your need for time off work or school. It's issued by a licensed healthcare provider and typically includes their credentials, contact information, examination date, and when you can return to work. This documentation serves as professional communication between your medical provider and employer while protecting your privacy.

Will my employer accept this doctor’s note?

Yes, employers accept 99.9% of Trust Medical doctor's notes. Our notes include all required components: comprehensive intake/evaluation, board certified doctor licensed in your state, official letterhead, licensed physician's signature, provider contact details, and clear return-to-work dates. We offer a 100% acceptance guarantee because our notes meet all legal and professional standards.

Who can write a doctor's note?

Trust Medical is a telehealth service that provides certified medical excuse notes. We connect clients with licensed healthcare professionals to ensure authenticity. Our goal is to make obtaining necessary documentation fast and reliable.

Is this service compliant with privacy laws?

Yes, all our notes are fully HIPAA compliant. They include only essential work-related information without disclosing private medical details unless specifically requested. Our board-certified physicians ensure complete privacy compliance.

When is a doctor's note required?

Common situations requiring doctor's notes include:

- Simple absences
- Medical appointments
- Return-to-work clearance
- FMLA documentation
- Workplace accommodations

Please note that Trust Medical is only able to support simple absences (i.e. 5 days or less). For anything else or if you have a more serious medical condition please consult the appropriate resource.

What if I need adjustments to the note?

While minor adjustments like date corrections are possible, we cannot alter medical assessments or add false information. Any changes must be based on legitimate medical evaluation. That said, we understand that sometimes you may want to disclose additional information about your illness and volunteer that information. In those cases, please reach out to our support team so we can assist you.

Can I get a doctor's note online?

Yes, you can get a legitimate doctor's note online through Trust Medical. Our process involves a a comprehensive intake form that allows the board certified doctors on our team to determine whether your situation warrants a doctors note. We can then provide proper documentation within minutes.

What does the verification process for employers look like?

Employers can verify certifications through our provider contact information. The verification process confirms the authenticity of the forms while maintaining your medical privacy under HIPAA regulations. The verification service is available during business hours from 8am-8pm, Monday through Sunday.

Can my employer request a doctor's note?

Yes, employers have the legal right to request doctor's notes for medical absences. However, they can only verify the note's authenticity and basic information - not your private medical details.

Do employers verify doctor’s notes?

Often, yes. HR departments routinely confirm that the note:

- Lists a licensed clinician’s name, signature, and license number.
- Includes a direct phone or email
so they can call for verification.
- Matches the stated dates and work restrictions to attendance records.

Trust Medical notes come with a verification line powered by real humans (8am-8pm Monday through Sunday) and secure email, so employers can confirm authenticity in seconds.

What should a doctor's note say?

A proper doctor's note includes:

1) Healthcare provider's information
2) Evaluation date
3) Work absence duration
4) Return-to-work date
5) High level reason for the absence
6) Any relevant restrictions and
7) Provider's signature. It should not include detailed medical information unless specifically requested and the client has authorized it in writing.

Can I pay for doctors note with insurance?

Trust Medical's services are out-of-pocket to ensure the fastest and most cost-effective possible service. While traditional doctor visits for medical notes might be covered by insurance, we've chosen a direct payment model to eliminate insurance delays as well as costly operations that go along with billing insurance. This means we can provide same-day (within minutes) documentation and almost always at a cheaper cost.

How fast can I get a doctor’s note?

During business hours (8am-8pm EST), you'll receive your note within minutes of completing your consultation. All other requests are processed first thing by next business day.

What conditions qualify for a doctors note?

Common qualifying conditions include:

- Acute illnesses (flu, infections, viruses)
- Injuries requiring recovery time
- Medical appointments and procedures
- Mental health needs
- Chronic condition management
- Family medical care requirements

Each situation is evaluated by our licensed physicians to determine appropriate documentation needs.

What are the consequences of forging a doctor's note?

Forging a doctor's note is illegal and carries serious consequences:

- Employment termination
- Legal prosecution for fraud
- Professional license impacts
- Potential criminal charges
- Civil liability

Instead of risking these consequences, get a legitimate note from licensed providers for just $29.99. Our process is fast, legal, and guaranteed to be accepted or your money back.

Can I get a doctors note without seeing a doctor?

Yes — you can get a valid doctor’s note without going to a clinic, but you cannot get one without a clinician. U.S. law requires that a licensed healthcare provider review your case and decide that a note is medically appropriate.

With asynchronous telehealth, you fill out a brief online questionnaire; a licensed U.S. clinician reviews your answers the same day and issues a signed PDF note if medically appropriate—no video call needed. That review is required for legal validity, but the whole process takes minutes on your phone or laptop.

Is an online doctors note valid?

Yes—if it’s written by a U.S-licensed clinician and contains the same elements as a paper note. A valid online note must:

1. Come from a clinician licensed in your state (MD, DO, NP, or PA).
2. Document a legitimate telehealth evaluation (asynchronous form or live visit).
3. Include all required details: date of service, time off or work restrictions, clinician’s signature and license number, and a phone/email for HR or school verification.

Trust Medical’s notes meet every one of these requirements, so employers and schools accept them just like an in-office note.