Medical leave, disability & insurance options

The U.S. has laws to protect you if you are disabled or unable to work due to a serious health condition, personally or within your immediate family. In addition, there are state and federal disability programs as well as insurance plans that can help cover lost wages and other expenses if you are seriously ill or injured off the job, and unable to work.

Many employers offer short- or long-term disability insurance as an employee benefit. People are often able to use a combination of these programs to help them through difficult times including recovery from surgery, treatment for cancer and more.