What’s the difference between sick leave and disability benefits?

• Sick leave: Short-term leave for minor illnesses or injuries. It might be paid or unpaid.
• Disability benefits: Longer-term benefits from an insurance plan (your employer’s or a private one) when you have a serious illness or injury that keeps you from working for a long time.

Disability benefits can provide income replacement when someone is unable to work; that is entirely separate from the entitlement to time off.