In South Carolina, employees facing a work-related injury or temporary illness often wonder if they can receive short-term disability benefits alongside workers’ compensation. Both systems are part of the state’s benefits system, but they serve different purposes.
Understanding the difference between short-term disability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance is critical for protecting your wage replacement benefits, covering medical expenses, and ensuring compliance with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
1. Difference Between Short-Term Disability and Workers’ Compensation
- Workers’ compensation is a mandatory system in South Carolina that provides temporary total disability or partial disability income to employees who suffer an on-the-job injury or occupational disease.
- Short-term disability is private disability insurance that provides income if you are unable to work due to non‑work‑related conditions, such as pregnancy complications, chronic illnesses, or mental health conditions.
- Workers’ compensation insurance pays medical bills, physical therapy, medical treatment, and medical providers directly. Short-term disability benefits only replace part of your paycheck.
For example, if a repetitive stress injury happens at work, workers’ compensation would apply. If you have a heart attack outside of work, short-term disability insurance may pay wage replacement for the recovery period.
2. Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina
Employees in South Carolina qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they meet the following:
- The injury was a work-related injury or on-the-job injury.
- It was reported to the employer within 90 days.
- A Form 50 is filed with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission within 2 years.
Eligible employees may receive:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
- Permanent disability compensation after an impairment rating
- Coverage for all medical expenses, medical treatment, and medical documentation from authorized treating physicians
During the waiting period, no payments are issued for the first 7 days unless the disability exceeds 14 days, at which point backpay is added.
3. How Short-Term Disability Works
Short-term disability benefits are typically provided through an employer’s employee benefits package or private STD plans. They cover:
- Up to 60‑70% of pre-disability salary
- Conditions like chronic illnesses, acute diseases, digestive disorders, or pregnancy complications
- A set duration, often 3–6 months
Unlike workers’ compensation insurance, STD doesn’t cover medical bills or medical benefits. Claims require:
- Medical documentation from your treating physicians
- Employer verification through wage records and payroll deductions
- Proof of active insurance policy or insurance plans
4. Receiving Both Benefits
Many employees in South Carolina wonder if they can collect short-term disability benefits and workers’ compensation simultaneously. The answer depends on:
- Your insurance policy and insurance carrier rules
- Whether your disability claim is work-related
- Offsets for STD benefits if workers’ compensation pays for the same time period
Typically:
- Short-term disability insurance may pay first during the waiting period for workers’ compensation.
- Once workers’ compensation insurance approves your claim, the insurance carrier may require reimbursement or reduce payments.
This is why it is critical to review your STD insurance, insurance premiums, and insurance adjusters communication closely.
5. Maximum Medical Improvement and Long-Term Issues
Once a worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission evaluates for:
- Permanent disability
- Total disability or total and permanent disability
- Eligibility for vocational rehabilitation or vocational rehabilitation benefits if unable to return to prior work
At this stage, a legal professional can guide you on:
- Requesting impairment rating reports
- Filing Form 17, Form 15, or Form 52 for proper compensation
- Collecting witness statements, medical evidence, and diagnostic test results to strengthen a disability claim
6. Common Challenges in Filing Claims
Employees often face:
- Claim denial from insurance company
- Delays from insurance adjusters
- Disputes over wage replacement benefits and weekly wage compensation
- Lack of clear medical note or medical documentation from treating physicians
In some cases, disputes arise over STD benefits, STD insurance, or bad-faith insurance claim practices. Having complete medical records, insurance claim numbers, and guidance from a legal professional is essential.
7. Practical Tips for South Carolina Workers
- File Form 50 quickly with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- Keep copies of all medical bills, medical records, and insurance policy documents.
- Track communications with your insurance provider and insurance carrier.
- Consider requesting vocational experts if a permanent injury affects your return to work.
- Maintain clear witness statements and human resources department records.
8. Summary Table
| Benefit Type | Covers | Income | Duration | Notes |
| Workers’ compensation | On-the-job injury, medical treatment, medical expenses | 2/3 of wages | Until maximum medical improvement | Pays medical benefits directly |
| Short-term disability | Non-work conditions, chronic illnesses, pregnancy complications | 60‑70% wage replacement | 3‑6 months | Requires STD insurance |
9. Conclusion
Navigating South Carolina’s benefits system can be complex. Understanding when to file for workers’ compensation, when to rely on short-term disability insurance, and how to coordinate with your insurance carrier is crucial.
When injuries escalate to total disability, temporary total disability, or permanent disability, knowing deadlines and preparing proper medical documentation is key to protecting your lost wages and medical benefits.
