White-collar workers more likely to receive disability benefits in small establishments

May 20, 1999

Employees may be protected from loss income by sick leave, short-term disability benefits, or long-term disability insurance. In 1996, short-term disability (STD) protection was provided to 29 percent of full-time employees of small, private establishments while 22 percent were covered by long-term disability insurance (LTD).

[Chart data—TXT]

Almost nine-tenths of covered workers were allowed some paid sick days. Professional, technical, clerical, and sales employees are more likely to receive benefits such as paid sick leave and disability coverage than blue-collar and service employees.

Almost all full-time workers (94 percent) with LTD insurance protection—received their benefit as a fixed percent of pre-disability earnings. The most common "replacement ratio" was 60 percent. Almost four-fifths of STD recipients also had their benefits determined by a flat percentage of earnings. The most common replacement ratios were 50, 60, and 67 percent.

The Employee Benefits Survey produces data on participation on a variety of non-wage compensation items. More information on benefits in small firms is available in Employee Benefits in Small Private Establishments, 1996 BLS Bulletin 2507 (PDF 530K).