To find out for sure, you'll have to contact your human resources manager, but many employers provide short-term disability coverage as part of an employee benefits package. In fact, a number of states require employers to offer this coverage, including Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and California.If your employer does offer such coverage, your eligibility depends on a couple of factors. First of all, you must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the group policy. Although a group plan cannot bar an individual from coverage, it can bar a group of individuals from coverage until certain eligibility criteria are met. For example, your employer's group plan may provide that an employee is ineligible to enroll in the plan until he or she has been employed for 90 days.You must also find out whether the plan is contributory or noncontributory. With a contributory plan, you must sign up for coverage and contribute toward the premium payments typically through payroll deduction. If you enroll during an open enrollment period, you won't have to prove that you are insurable. If you don't enroll at that time, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period (and may be subject to a physical exam and limited coverage on pre-existing conditions). With noncontributory plans, the employer pays the full premium and coverage is automatic, assuming you meet eligibility requirements.If your employer does not offer short-term disability insurance, you may be able to purchase it through other groups or associations you belong to. It is not usually available to individuals. Contact an insurance agent for more information.