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Know and Avail Your Disability Insurance Benefits Pronto
Author: Jamil Estorninos
A study reveals, “a 20-year-old worker has a 3 in 10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.”
If you suddenly find yourself out of job because of disability, do not lose hope. There is disability insurance and benefits program that you can avail in the US to help you tide over the times you were disabled and thus off work.
Employer disability insurance program
Majority of employers offer medical, dental and life insurance benefits to their employees nowadays. On top of that, some offers disability benefits, which can range from short-term disability and long-term disability, or both.
You may want to know what your own company can offer you. Read the copy of your employee’s manual or contract of employment. Your human resources officer can also provide you valuable information regarding your company’s disability insurance policy.
State Disability Insurance
Some states offer disability insurance benefits to those who are not covered by their employer’s disability benefits, or when there is no insurance provided at all. The following states, among others, offer disability insurance benefits:
• California
• New York
• New Jersey
• Hawaii
• Rhode Island
Funds for disability insurance benefits in California come from contributions provided by employees. A portion of their paychecks forms part of the state fund. Those who cannot work because of disability unconnected to the job may file money claim to replace their lost income from such fund.
The California State Disability Insurance also covers cases of women who cannot report to work because of pregnancy or those who takes time off to take care of ill relatives or a newborn child.
Workmen’s Compensation
For employees who are not qualified to State’s Disability Insurance, they may claim under the Workmen’s Compensation Disability Insurance. Almost all states in the country require private and public employers to develop this type of disability insurance.
If you have been injured on the job or developed a job related sickness, you may file your claim under Workmen’s Compensation if your claim cannot fall under the State’s Disability Insurance.
Social Security disability benefits
The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits under the following programs:
1. The Social Security disability insurance program
This program pays benefit to you and certain family members if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
If your child’s disability started before the age of 22, he/she may also qualify for benefits on your earnings record.
2. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program
This program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.
You may call SSA, visit their website or consult with a Social Security Law attorney to know how to avail SSA disability benefits.
Bear in mind however, that SSA imposes strict qualifications and proof of severe medical conditions to be eligible to SSA disability benefits.
Veterans’ disability insurance
For service members and veterans, the US Veterans Benefits Administration can give those benefits under either two programs; (1) the disability compensation and (2) the disability pension.
The disability compensation is given to service members and veterans who suffer at least 10% disability because of military service. The disability contemplated here includes physical injuries, physical and mental diseases, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
On the other hand, disability pension is given to eligible wartime veterans who have limited income and cannot work, or who are 65 years old or older.
These are just some of the various disability insurance benefits that you may avail of depending on your existing condition, coverage and qualification. Communicate with a proper government agency regarding your claim or consult with an attorney who has specialization on the matter.
In pursuing your disability insurance benefits, our credible and skilled Los Angeles lawyers will ensure that you will receive the rightful claim that you deserved.
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