How To Apply For Temporary Disability In Texas (2026)

Who Qualifies for Temporary Disability Benefits in Texas?

To qualify for temporary disability in Texas, you must have a documented medical condition or injuries that prevent you from fulfilling your employment duties. You must have a certificate from a physician that states the problem is disabling.

You will also need to have enough work history. In most cases, you’ll have a waiting period that ranges from seven to 14 days.

Medical Documentation Requirements for Temporary Disability

If you’ve suffered an injury or have a medical condition that makes you temporarily unable to work, you’ll need to provide documentation of that disability before you can receive your benefits. The exact requirements may vary slightly from plan to plan, but in many cases, your documentation should at least include these key elements:

• A statement from your doctor saying you are not able to work
• Medical bills, X-rays, blood tests, or other documentation
• Your doctor’s estimate of when you can return to work.

If you are trying to obtain temporary disability benefits through the workers’ compensation system, make sure to include a statement from your doctor clearly linking the injury to your job when you submit your claim.

How Much Income Replacement You Can Get Under TIBs or Short-Term Plans

Temporary income benefits (TIBs) provide about 70% of the difference between the average weekly wage you made before the disability and the wages you’re able to earn with the injury or illness. With short-term plans, you get 66% of your average weekly wages.

Duration of Temporary Disability Coverage in Texas

Temporary disability benefits you can get after suffering injuries or illnesses that prevent you from working can last for up to 26 months. The exact timeline you will have depends on numerous factors, including the severity of the condition or injury.

How to Apply for Temporary Disability in Texas

If you’re applying for short-term disability insurance through your employer, you’ll need to let them know you can’t work. You’ll then need to obtain the application forms and submit them to the insurance company that covers the benefits. If you’re enrolled in the Texas Income Protection Plan (TIPP), you must file a claim and wait for approval.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Temporary Disability Benefits?

If you’ve been injured and are unable to work, you might understandably be worried about your finances. In Texas, like in most other states, short-term disability claims are generally processed relatively quickly. The process generally proceeds as follows:

• Once you submit your claim, the insurer will usually make a decision within four weeks
• If your claim is approved, you will likely receive your funds in 1 to 14 days

If your claim is initially denied, don’t give up hope. In most cases, you may file an appeal. It’s important to first identify the reason why your claim was denied. If you believe the denial was wrongful, follow the insurer’s instructions for filing an appeal.

You aren’t required to work wth a lawyer when appealing a temporary disability decision. However, attorneys understand the bad faith tactics insurance companies often use to deny legitimate claims. Having legal help doesn’t guarantee that your claim will be approved on appeal, but it can give you the best possible chance.

Key Differences Between Workers’ Comp TIBs vs. Private Short-Term Disability

Texas workers’ compensation temporary income benefits apply to those who were hurt or fell ill because of a work-related issue. Private short-term disability applies to any active employee, and the injury or illness does not have to be work-related.

What Happens When Temporary Disability Ends?

You will need to return to work once the temporary disability benefits end. If this occurs sooner than you expected and you’re still not well enough to work, you may need to turn to an attorney for assistance.

Resolving Temporary Disability Issues With Legal Help

At ConsumerShield, we can connect you with trusted attorneys in your area who can help you with temporary disability issues in Texas. Fill out our simple contact form to start with a free case evaluation today.