What is Third Party Sick Pay and How Does It Work?

Definition & Meaning

Third party sick pay (3PSP) refers to wage benefits provided to employees during long-term medical leave, which are funded by an external entity rather than the employer. This external entity may be an insurance company, a union plan, or a state temporary disability program. The purpose of 3PSP is to offer financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: An employee who pays their own premium for a disability insurance policy receives benefits while on medical leave. Since they paid the premium, the benefits are not subject to income tax.

Example 2: An employee receives third party sick pay from an insurance company, but their employer paid part of the premium. In this case, the benefits may be taxable, depending on the employer's contribution. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Key Differences
California Offers state disability insurance that may affect third party sick pay.
New York Has specific regulations regarding temporary disability benefits and employer contributions.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Short-Term Disability Pay Benefits provided for a limited time due to temporary illness or injury. Typically has a shorter duration than third party sick pay.
Workers' Compensation Insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured on the job. Specific to workplace injuries, while third party sick pay covers broader medical issues.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are receiving third party sick pay, it's important to understand the tax implications based on your premium contributions. Consider consulting a tax professional for guidance. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you manage necessary documentation related to your sick pay.

Quick facts

  • Typical duration of benefits: Varies based on policy.
  • Jurisdiction: Governed by state laws and insurance regulations.
  • Possible penalties: Tax penalties may apply if benefits are not reported correctly.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It may be taxable if the employer pays part of the premium. If the employee pays the entire premium, it is generally not taxable.