Part of our guide: Disability Income Insurance: Solutions, Tools and Guides →
Most disabilities are short-term. Most small businesses don’t offer short-term disability coverage. Guaranteed issue plans built for very small groups close that gap without medical underwriting.
Key takeaways
- Guaranteed issue short-term disability can cover groups as small as two employees, with no health questions.
- One plan offers up to $1,500 a week, with pre-existing condition, maternity, and partial disability benefits.
- Benefits can start the first day after a non-occupational injury or the eighth day of an illness, with rates guaranteed for three years.
100% guaranteed issue for groups of 2 to 19 employees, up to $1,500 a week, enrolled with one digital signature and a census.
Why small businesses need it
Short-term disabilities from injuries, surgeries, pregnancy, or illness are far more common than long-term ones. Without coverage, employees go without pay and owners face pressure to help. A group short-term plan protects everyone on the team.
Plan highlights
- Guaranteed issue for groups of 2 to 19 employees
- Weekly benefits up to $1,500
- Pre-existing condition, full maternity, and partial disability benefits available
- Benefits can begin the 1st day after a non-occupational injury or the 8th day of sickness
- Rates guaranteed for three years
Plan details vary by carrier and state; contact us for current availability.
Simple enrollment
Enrollment takes one digital signature from the owner and a completed census, and we can facilitate the signature. It’s a good fit for small business clients who have struggled to get disability coverage. For the owner’s own protection, see business overhead expense coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What is guaranteed issue short-term disability?
Coverage issued without health questions or medical underwriting, typically offered to employer groups.
Can a business with two employees get disability insurance for staff?
Yes. Some guaranteed issue short-term disability plans accept groups as small as two employees.
Does short-term disability cover maternity?
Many group short-term disability plans, including the one described here, include maternity benefits.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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