Puerto Rico Temporary Non-Occupational Disability Insurance Program

The Disability Benefit Act (DBA) was passed in 1968 and is also known as SINOT, its acronym in Spanish, for Temporary Non-Occupational Disability Insurance.

SINOT provides benefits for an employee’s own disability that is not caused by work or a car accident

Tools and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s Covered Under SINOT?

• Care for an employee’s own disability that is not related to work or a car accident.

Additionally, SINOT provides dismemberment benefits to employees. It also provides death benefits to an insured employee’s dependents.

What Are the Available Benefits Under SINOT?

• Benefits are available for the duration of the disability or up to a maximum of 26 weeks (about 6 months) in a 52-week period.
• The weekly benefit minimum is $12 a week.
• The weekly benefit maximum is $113 a week ($55 a week for agricultural employees).
• Learn more about the dismemberment and death claim benefit details on Puerto Rico's Department of Labor and Human Resources Webpage.

How Is the Program Funded?

The total contribution is .60% of an employee’s wages up to $9,000 per year for industrial employees. Employees may not pay more than .30% of the total contribution amount.

What Are the SINOT Eligibility Requirements?

• Be unable to work due to an injury or illness that is not related to work or a car accident,
• Be currently in treatment with a physician or chiropractor, and
• Have received at least $150 in covered employment wages during the first four of the last five calendar quarters that precede the first day of disability.

A “covered person” includes all employees working in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This excludes government employees and non-profit organizations.

Is There a Private Plan Option?

Employers are defaulted to the state plan with this program. Puerto Rico allows for fully and self-insured private plans. In order to offer private plan options, the program requires the insurance carrier or administrator to have a claims and administering presence within the territory.

Does The Hartford Offer SINOT Coverage in Puerto Rico?

No, The Hartford does not currently offer fully insured or ASO services for SINOT. Employers can use private Disability insurance to complement employees’ SINOT benefits and fill gaps in pay and Leave duration. The Hartford offers supplemental Short-term Disability benefits.

Please reach out to your employee benefits representative at The Hartford for additional information.

This informational material is subject to change as The Hartford continues to receive guidance from states and municipalities. It shall not be considered legal advice. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for legal compliance with respect to an employer’s business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute The Hartford’s undertaking on a company’s behalf, or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that an employer’s business operations are in compliance with any law, rule, or regulation. Employers seeking resolution of specific legal or business issues, questions, or concerns regarding this topic should consult their own attorney or business advisors; and employees should continue to consult their employers’ Human Resources or other employment benefits department for guidance on the application of any law, rule, or regulation.