Short Term Disability (STD) policies typically provide benefits on a weekly basis for a specified number of weeks, ranging from several weeks up to 26 weeks or even 52 weeks in some policies.

Long Term Disability (LTD) policies provide benefits on a monthly basis for a much longer period of time, often up to several years or even until retirement age.

STD and LTD policies have different provisions, definitions and requirements that must be met to qualify for benefits under each policy. Due to the extended length of benefits, LTD policies typically have more provisions to satisfy as well as more options to support return to work efforts compared to STD policies and may involve a more in-depth and comprehensive review process than STD.