Three Types Of Disability Benefits And Claims You Can Make Under The Law
Becoming disabled, even in the short-term, has a negative impact on your life. Thankfully, there are some disability benefit options available to you, if you qualify and if your situation applies. These benefits are provided under the law to help many individuals with disabilities and prevent levels of poverty that otherwise might result in homelessness or death.
ADD, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits
This is a disability package offered to you by your employer at the time you are hired or shortly thereafter. The "ADD" stands for "Accidental Death and/or Dismemberment" and only applies if such an event takes place while you are on the job. Likewise, the short-term and long-term disability insurance in these packages typically only applies if you become disabled while on the job. However, some plans also cover pregnancy as a disability when it affects your job performance. If you opted to take part in this type of insurance, you can file a claim when and if the required circumstances apply.
Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability benefits are provided by the Federal government. You must have a qualifying disability as listed on their long list of disabilities, and you have to go through your local SSA (Social Security Administration) office to apply. You may also apply online, but then you will still have to bring all of your medical records, documents, and evidence supporting your claim to the office for review. It may take as long as six months or more to get a decision, and you may be denied benefits if the SSA does not feel that your condition is chronic or severe enough to warrant benefits. Still, if you cannot work and are not working, you should attempt to apply. You can always appeal.
ERISA Disability Claims and Benefits
ERISA is a private employer benefit for employees. It is only available to employees who work for a company that provide this benefit. You would have had to sign up for ERISA insurance when you were hired, and there may be a waiting period before the insurance takes effect. Your employer may also require documentation from your doctor to show that you are no longer able to work in any capacity for the company before the ERISA insurance kicks in and pays on the claim. ERISA may only last as long as the money that was put into it for your use as well, so be sure to check the terms of your ERISA plan before filing a disability claim and have a long-term plan if benefits are expected to run out.
