How long can short-term disability benefits last?

According to Disability Secrets, how long short term disability benefits last varies based on the terms of a person's temporary disability insurance plan. The average time limit for short-term disability benefits is between three and six months.

Disability Secrets also states that individuals may be eligible for coverage under long-term disability benefits if they are unable to return to work once the short-term benefits end. Short-term disability benefits pay an individual a percentage of her salary for the time she is unable to work. This type of benefit focuses on illnesses or injuries that were not caused by the workplace. Pregnancy and childbirth can also be covered under short-term disability.