Is Short Term Disability Covered Under FMLA? 
Short term disability and FMLA are two distinct entities , although both may apply when an employee needs to take leave . Short term disability is an insurance program that replaces a portion of income when an employee is unable to work due to a covered accident or illness . Five states have mandatory programs , some employers pay premiums on behalf of employees , and many employees purchase policies at work and pay through a payroll deduction . FMLA is a federal law which provides unpaid job protected leave for an employees own disability , or when leaving work to care for a sick family member . 