Why employers want to offer STD with PFML programs

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.

Coordinated benefits for comprehensive coverage

While STD coverages provide income replacement for ones’ own disabling event, state PFML programs offer a foundational level of coverage that allow employees to take a leave, not only for themselves, but also to care for a covered family member or other individual.¹

The top reasons to provide STD insurance in addition to PFML

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.

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

Covered individuals vary by state. Please refer to the specific state PFML page for benefit provisions.
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.

Author(s)
Guardian Life

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.

Information provided on this blog is intended for general educational use. It is not intended to provide legal advice. Guardian does not provide legal services. Consult an attorney for legal advice on this or any other topic.

Links to external sites are provided for your convenience in locating related information and services. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees expressly disclaim any responsibility for and do not maintain, control, recommend, or endorse third-party sites, organizations, products, or services and make no representation as to the completeness, suitability, or quality thereof.

7219978.1 20261006 (exp.2/27)