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State + Employer + Private Plans

Get Short-Term Disability Certification Online Today

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jason Buchwald, Board Certified MD — Last updated March 2026
A board-certified provider evaluates your condition and completes your short-term disability paperwork — including state programs, employer plans, and private insurance claims.
Fully licensed doctors
100% Money-Back  Guarantee
4.8/5
from 250,000+ patients

ACCEPTED BY ALL MAJOR EMPLOYERS

What Is State Disability — And What Else You May Qualify For

State disability programs replace a portion of your income when a medical condition prevents you from working. Multiple programs may apply to you — here's how each one works.
state Law

State Disability – Replaces Your Wages

Government-run income replacement when a medical condition prevents you from working. Available in 5 states (CA, NY, NJ, RI, HI) — funded through payroll deductions you're already paying.
What Does FMLA Cover?
Your own illness or injury
Pregnancy and recovery
Surgery and recovery
Mental health conditions
Federal Law

FMLA - Protects Your Job

Up to 12 weeks of leave where your employer must hold your position and continue your health benefits. Take it all at once, intermittently, or as a reduced schedule.
What Does FMLA Cover?
Your own serious health condition
Caring for a family member
Bonding with a new child
Military caregiver or qualifying exigency
state Law

Paid Leave – Family & Medical

Partial wage replacement while you take time off to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member. Available in 15 states and growing.
What Does FMLA Cover?
Bonding with a new child
Caring for a seriously ill family member
Military family needs
Your own medical condition (some states)
ADA Protection

Workplace Accommodations

Requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Covers changes to your work environment, schedule, or duties.
What Does ADA Cover?
Modified work schedule
Remote work arrangements
Job restructuring
Leave as a reasonable accommodation

From Initial Approval, to Return to Work We've Got You

Most services hand you forms and disappear. We stay with you through every step.

Real Evaluations by Board Certified Providers

Take our 3 minute quiz, then meet with a licensed provider via video. They evaluate whether you qualify for FMLA, Paid Leave, Disability, ADA Accommodations.

Forms Completed in 48hrs.
Never Miss an HR Deadline.

All forms are completed in 48 hours guaranteed.
Submit forms on time, every time.

HR Has Questions? We Handle It.

If your employer needs clarification, or changes - We take care of it at no extra cost. Free modifications, forever.
One Visit. Everything Handled.
Most people qualify for multiple programs but don't know it. TrustMedical evaluates all programs in a single 15-minute video consultation and handles all the documentation.
State Disability Certification
(income replacement)
FMLA Certification
(job protection)
Paid Leave Documentation
(state wage replacement)
ADA Accommodation Letters
(workplace changes)
Return-to-Work Clearance
(when you're ready)

State Disability Benefits at a Glance

Five states require employers to provide disability insurance. Here's how each program compares.
State
Program
Max Weekly
Duration
Wage Replacement
State
California
Program
SDI
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,765/wk
Duration
Up to 52 weeks
Wage Replacement
60-70%
State
New York
Program
DBL
Max Weekly Benefit
$170/wk
Duration
26 weeks
Wage Replacement
50%
State
New Jersey
Program
TDI
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,119/wk
Duration
26 weeks
Wage Replacement
85%
State
Rhode Island
Program
TDI
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,077/wk
Duration
30 weeks
Wage Replacement
~60%
State
Hawaii
Program
TDI
Max Weekly Benefit
$765/wk
Duration
26 weeks
Wage Replacement
58%
Don't see your state?
You likely still qualify for FMLA, short-term disability, or your employer's leave plan.

Coming Soon

New and expanding state programs in 2026–2028
Last updated March 2026
May 2026
Jul 2026
2027–28
2027–28
Maine
NEW PROGRAM
12 weeks at up to 90% wage replacement.
New Jersey
NEW PROGRAM
Expanding to employers with 15+ employees. Eligibility reduced to 3 months.
Washington
NEW PROGRAM
Job restoration expanding to 15+ (2027) then 8+ employees (2028).
Maryland
NEW PROGRAM
Contributions begin 2027. Benefits expected 2027–2028.
HELPING YOU SAVE MONEY

Many Health Insurers Reimburse up to 100%

We provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Many patients pay $0 out of pocket.

Real Stories From Real Patients

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Verified TrustMedical patient review
Kelsey B.
‍Pennsylvania
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March 24, 2025
A service you can trust!
"My entire experience was easy, quick & extremely pleasant! Now the BEST part is you're dealing with REAL HUMAN BEINGS! I will absolutely recommend My Trust Medical to everyone..hopefully you all have the pleasure of having Michael &/or James in your corner as I had today! They are both dolls!"
Verified TrustMedical patient review
Wesley B.
Alabama
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April 8, 2025
The customer service was awesome
"Recently received a note from Trust Medical and the service was incredible! The note was delivered to me promptly and I even received exceptional support for a follow-up concern!"
Verified TrustMedical patient review
Maria G.
South Carolina
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March 21, 2025
They take away the stress.
"I genuinely love this website. It’s the second time I used it and I never been more grateful that something like this exists. It goes through a legit doctor so you don’t have to worry about false documents. And it literally the cost of me same amount as my co-pay without any extra charge."

Backed by the country's leading Medical Leave & Labor Law Experts

Trust Medical's world-leading experts and advisors enable us to deliver high-quality medical leave evaluations, certifications, and support at scale. Their combined medical and labor law expertise guides our standards and makes it easier for millions of patients to take the time they need to fully recover and get back to their day to day lives.
Board-certified 20+ years experience in medical specialties
Industry innovations Published studies in top medical journals
Policy expertise Deep knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and state leave laws
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Benjamin Wallace
Board Certified DO — Emergency Medicine
Specializes in comprehensive primary care with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive medicine.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr Asad Niazi
Board Certified MD — Internal Medicine
Specializes in comprehensive primary care with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive medicine.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Jason Buchwald
Board Certified MD — Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine specialist with deep expertise in acute care evaluations and medical certifications.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Abhishek Patel
Board Certified DO — Osteopathic Medicine
Whole-patient approach specialist focused on musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, and rehabilitation.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Benjamin Wallace
Board Certified DO — Emergency Medicine
Specializes in comprehensive primary care with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive medicine.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr Asad Niazi
Board Certified MD — Internal Medicine
Specializes in comprehensive primary care with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive medicine.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Jason Buchwald
Board Certified MD — Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine specialist with deep expertise in acute care evaluations and medical certifications.
Board-certified FMLA healthcare provider
Dr. Abhishek Patel
Board Certified DO — Osteopathic Medicine
Whole-patient approach specialist focused on musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, and rehabilitation.

How State Disability Differs From Employer STD

How State Disability Differs From Employer STD
Employer STD
State Program
Source
Government program
Private insurance
Funding
Payroll tax deductions
Employer-paid premiums
Eligibility
State earnings requirements
Employer plan rules
Benefit calculation
State formula based on wages
Plan-specific (usually 50-70%)
Who administers
State agency (EDD, etc.)
Insurance carrier (MetLife, Guardian)
Portability
Follows you between employers
Tied to specific employer
You might have both. If you work in a mandatory state and your employer also offers STD coverage, the programs may coordinate — with your employer "topping up" state payments to bring you closer to your full salary.

What Conditions Qualify for State Disability?

State disability covers your own medical condition — any illness, injury, or condition that prevents you from doing your job.
Important distinction
State disability covers your own medical condition only. Caring for a family member is covered under Paid Family Leave, not state disability.
Surgery Recovery
Post-operative recovery periods where you can't perform your job duties.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Coverage for delivery recovery — typically 6 weeks vaginal, 8 weeks c-section.
Serious Illness
Cancer treatment, cardiac events, organ conditions, and other major diagnoses.
Mental Health
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, severe burnout, and panic disorder.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Back injuries, joint problems, fractures, and other physical impairments.
Chronic Condition Flare-Ups
Crohn's, lupus, MS, fibromyalgia, and other conditions during acute episodes.
This is some text inside of a div block.

How to File a Short-Term Disability Claim

The process varies by state, but the core steps are the same.

Check if Your State Has a Program

State disability insurance is mandatory in California, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. If you work in one of these states, you're likely already enrolled through payroll deductions.

File Your Claim Online With Your State Agency

Each state has its own filing process: California files through the Employment Development Department (EDD), New York through the Workers' Compensation Board, New Jersey and Rhode Island through their Departments of Labor, and Hawaii through the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Have Your Medical Provider Complete the Certification

This is the most critical step. Your provider must document your diagnosis, explain how your condition prevents you from performing your job duties, outline your treatment plan, and provide an expected return-to-work date.

Submit All Documentation to Your State Agency

Send completed forms to your state's disability program. Keep copies of everything. Most states accept online submissions.

Receive Your Determination

Send completed forms to your state's disability program. Keep copies of everything. Most states accept online submissions.
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5
All 5 State Forms
Certification forms for every mandatory state program
TrustMedical providers complete state disability certification forms for all 5 mandatory states — proper documentation is the most important part of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this service legally compliant?

Yes! We only work with board certified doctors and we match you to a provider who is licensed in your state. Every provider thoroughly reviews your intake and then makes a decision on whether to approve a doctors note. Employers love us because of our strict adherence to all laws as well as the fact that our service is powered by real people who you can get on the phone with quickly to verify the authentcity of our notes.

What sets Trust Medical apart?

People trust us. We recognize the importance of your job and your academic standing, which is why we adhere to the highest standards of integrity and ensure we're fully compliant.

Additionally, we know this process can be anxiety inducing, which is why we take pride on our customer support and we make it extremely easy to speak to us and help you get your issues resolved.

We believe so much in what we do that we offer an 100% money back guarantee.

All of our doctors credentials are public and easily verifiable. Additionally, all of our certifications & evaluations are completed to the highest standard and contain all the details your employer or school needs to feel confident.

We set the standard for FMLA certifications.

What is a doctor's note?

A doctor's note is an official medical document that verifies your need for time off work or school. It's issued by a licensed healthcare provider and typically includes their credentials, contact information, examination date, and when you can return to work. This documentation serves as professional communication between your medical provider and employer while protecting your privacy.

Will my employer accept this doctor’s note?

Yes, employers accept 99.9% of Trust Medical doctor's notes. Our notes include all required components: comprehensive intake/evaluation, board certified doctor licensed in your state, official letterhead, licensed physician's signature, provider contact details, and clear return-to-work dates. We offer a 100% acceptance guarantee because our notes meet all legal and professional standards.

Who can write a doctor's note?

Trust Medical is a telehealth service that provides certified medical excuse notes. We connect clients with licensed healthcare professionals to ensure authenticity. Our goal is to make obtaining necessary documentation fast and reliable.

Is this service compliant with privacy laws?

Yes, all our notes are fully HIPAA compliant. They include only essential work-related information without disclosing private medical details unless specifically requested. Our board-certified physicians ensure complete privacy compliance.

When is a doctor's note required?

Common situations requiring doctor's notes include:

- Simple absences
- Medical appointments
- Return-to-work clearance
- FMLA documentation
- Workplace accommodations

Please note that Trust Medical is only able to support simple absences (i.e. 5 days or less). For anything else or if you have a more serious medical condition please consult the appropriate resource.

What if I need adjustments to the note?

While minor adjustments like date corrections are possible, we cannot alter medical assessments or add false information. Any changes must be based on legitimate medical evaluation. That said, we understand that sometimes you may want to disclose additional information about your illness and volunteer that information. In those cases, please reach out to our support team so we can assist you.

Can I get a doctor's note online?

Yes, you can get a legitimate doctor's note online through Trust Medical. Our process involves a a comprehensive intake form that allows the board certified doctors on our team to determine whether your situation warrants a doctors note. We can then provide proper documentation within minutes.

What does the verification process for employers look like?

Employers can verify certifications through our provider contact information. The verification process confirms the authenticity of the forms while maintaining your medical privacy under HIPAA regulations. The verification service is available during business hours from 8am-8pm, Monday through Sunday.

Can my employer request a doctor's note?

Yes, employers have the legal right to request doctor's notes for medical absences. However, they can only verify the note's authenticity and basic information - not your private medical details.

Do employers verify doctor’s notes?

Often, yes. HR departments routinely confirm that the note:

- Lists a licensed clinician’s name, signature, and license number.
- Includes a direct phone or email
so they can call for verification.
- Matches the stated dates and work restrictions to attendance records.

Trust Medical notes come with a verification line powered by real humans (8am-8pm Monday through Sunday) and secure email, so employers can confirm authenticity in seconds.

What should a doctor's note say?

A proper doctor's note includes:

1) Healthcare provider's information
2) Evaluation date
3) Work absence duration
4) Return-to-work date
5) High level reason for the absence
6) Any relevant restrictions and
7) Provider's signature. It should not include detailed medical information unless specifically requested and the client has authorized it in writing.

Can I pay for doctors note with insurance?

Trust Medical's services are out-of-pocket to ensure the fastest and most cost-effective possible service. While traditional doctor visits for medical notes might be covered by insurance, we've chosen a direct payment model to eliminate insurance delays as well as costly operations that go along with billing insurance. This means we can provide same-day (within minutes) documentation and almost always at a cheaper cost.

How fast can I get a doctor’s note?

During business hours (8am-8pm EST), you'll receive your note within minutes of completing your consultation. All other requests are processed first thing by next business day.

What conditions qualify for a doctors note?

Common qualifying conditions include:

- Acute illnesses (flu, infections, viruses)
- Injuries requiring recovery time
- Medical appointments and procedures
- Mental health needs
- Chronic condition management
- Family medical care requirements

Each situation is evaluated by our licensed physicians to determine appropriate documentation needs.

What are the consequences of forging a doctor's note?

Forging a doctor's note is illegal and carries serious consequences:

- Employment termination
- Legal prosecution for fraud
- Professional license impacts
- Potential criminal charges
- Civil liability

Instead of risking these consequences, get a legitimate note from licensed providers for just $29.99. Our process is fast, legal, and guaranteed to be accepted or your money back.

Can I get a doctors note without seeing a doctor?

Yes — you can get a valid doctor’s note without going to a clinic, but you cannot get one without a clinician. U.S. law requires that a licensed healthcare provider review your case and decide that a note is medically appropriate.

With asynchronous telehealth, you fill out a brief online questionnaire; a licensed U.S. clinician reviews your answers the same day and issues a signed PDF note if medically appropriate—no video call needed. That review is required for legal validity, but the whole process takes minutes on your phone or laptop.

Is an online doctors note valid?

Yes—if it’s written by a U.S-licensed clinician and contains the same elements as a paper note. A valid online note must:

1. Come from a clinician licensed in your state (MD, DO, NP, or PA).
2. Document a legitimate telehealth evaluation (asynchronous form or live visit).
3. Include all required details: date of service, time off or work restrictions, clinician’s signature and license number, and a phone/email for HR or school verification.

Trust Medical’s notes meet every one of these requirements, so employers and schools accept them just like an in-office note.