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 coverage is still a crucial employee benefit to provide.

Mother and her adult daughter smiling together at home.

Coordinated benefits for comprehensive coverage

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 But each state’s PFML program often comes with benefit limitations, potentially leaving income gaps that could put your employees’ financial wellness at risk.

With STD insurance from Guardian, you're prepared to provide powerful disability benefits that not only help replace income, but also work to support employee well-being and can help simplify return to work. With clinical resources and wellness solutions like caregiving support services through Guardian + Wellthy available within STD insurance,² your employees can rely on their benefits. Not only during a leave, but they can also utilize their STD benefits to potentially help prevent a leave in the first place. And when you go with Guardian for both STD and PFML, we'll make it as simple as possible to stay compliant and help ensure your people have what they need — when they need it.

The top reasons to provide STD insurance in addition to PFML

  • Leave time available - Two female colleagues looking at a screen together.

    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 - A man with crutches and a foot brace sitting down.

    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.

Employees are stressed about their finances. Together, we can help.

Providing comprehensive coverage helps protect employees' financial well-being, mitigating stress during a leave. And when they’re less worried about what could be, they’re better prepared to do their best work for you. 

  • 48%

    of US workers say “money/finances” are their top stress in life³

  • 46%

    of US workers say they’d face financial hardship if they didn’t have the benefits they get through work

  • 4 in 10

    US workers are living paycheck to paycheck

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 — mind, body, and wallet®.

And to help employees receive optimal support during leaves and return to work feeling their best, we’ve also embedded caregiving support services and enhanced rehabilitation services into our STD plans. In some cases, our offerings can even help prevent a leave in the first place. This proactive approach not only attracts top talent, but also helps retain existing employees by showing they’re worth investing in. Because when life happens, we're at the ready.

Woman working at a standing desk at home.

Learn more about employer-provided disability insurance and its built-in benefits.

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

2 Limitations may apply, please refer to your STD policy for further information.

3, 4, 5 Mind, Body, and Wallet Report – Guardian, 2024 

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. Policy limitations and exclusions apply. Optional riders and/or features may incur additional costs. Generic Policy Form #s GP-1-LTD-15 and GP-1-STD-15. The state approved form is the governing document. 

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.