Different Types of Disability
Many people I speak with on the phone regarding social security disability get quite confused when I ask if they are on other types of disability programs, such as short term or long term disability. That confusion prompted this article. “Disability” is a broad term. Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, and Social Security Disability are all distinctly different types of disability benefits. Let’s take a look at the three ‘disability’ programs.
Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is a government program that you have paid into over the years. If you are found to be disabled by the SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINSITRATION and you have enough work credits, then you can receive social security disability. Benefits are paid out of the Disability Insurance Trust Fund. They are benefits you receive from Social Security.
Short Term Disability
Short Term Disability is a private insurance program, most often through your EMPLOYER. It is a define benefit through your employer, much like your health insurance. Not all employers off short term disability to their employees. Generally, the benefits pays the employee 40 to 60 of their pay while they are out of work for a disabling condition. The benefits can last anywhere between 9 and 52 weeks. Most often, I see short term disability policies that pay wither 13 or 26 weeks.
Long Term Disability
Long Term Disability is another private insurance program offered through your EMPLOYER. Long Term Disability coverage picks up where short-term disability insurance leaves off. Once the short-term benefits expire, long-term disability insurance pays a percentage of your salary, usually 50 to 75 percent, depending on the policy. The benefits last until you can go back to work or for the number of years stated in the policy. Additionally, not all employers offer long term disability. These long term disability policy premiums may be employer funded, employee funded, or shared funded between the employer and employee.
Additionally, there are many employers that may offer short term disability, but not long term disability. Just because you have one, does not necessarily mean you have the other insurance benefit. Check your employee manual or with your personnel department. Often times when a person is on long term disability benefits, the insurance company paying the benefits makes providing evidence of your ongoing disability difficult, threaten your benefits, or unilaterally end your benefits. Don’t deal with it alone. Insurance companies are difficult. Contact Mooney & Associates right away if your Long Term Disability benefits are threatened or have stopped.
In summary, Social Security Disability is a benefit program through the Social Security Administration, in which you must prove eligibility and meet SSA’s definition of ‘disability’. Short Term and Long Term disability are private insurance plans that MAY or MAY NOT be offered through your employer.
Count on Mooney
Our legal team has decades of experience in complex disability situations. Not only do we handle appeals if you receive a denial letter, but we can also complete initial applications for social security disability benefits. We stand ready to assist you in your time of need and you know you can Count on Mooney, whatever your legal need.
Mooney & Associates has 15 offices spread throughout Central Pennsylvania including:
We can meet you at the office location most convenient for you. Contact us today for a free consultation or call us at 717-632-4656 or toll free at 877-632-4656.
