Many people with disabilities where the prognosis is uncertain are left wondering what their options are for Pennsylvania disability benefits. Since the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as lasting at least one year with the only exception being disabilities that lead to an early death, those who do not fit these requirements may not receive disability benefits through the SSA. Not everyone realizes there are other options available for these types of benefits. Feel free to ask a Pennsylvania Individual Disability Insurance Lawyer about your options.
When your disability does not meet the year-long requirements of the SSA, you have the option of seeking disability benefits elsewhere. While Pennsylvania does not offer short-term state disability benefits, some employers provide Pennsylvania short-term disability benefits for their employees. The requirements will vary depending on where you work and keep in mind that not every employer may offer this.
The first step in figuring out if this is an option for you is talking with your doctor about whether your disability will be expected to last at least 12 months or lead to premature death. If neither of these are the case for you, then you will not likely be able to receive disability benefits from the SSA. This leaves you with contacting the human resources department of your job to see whether they offer any type of disability insurance.
For people who do have a disability that will last at least 12 months and might improve after that time period, you do have the option to apply for SSA disability benefits. However, your disability must also meet the severity threshold imposed by the SSA, meaning that your disability must significantly impair your ability to work. Know that when your disability improves enough, your SSA benefits will discontinue. This is common with Pennsylvania mental health disabilities.
If you find yourself rejected by the SSA and your employer, you still have the option of seeking our Pennsylvania private disability benefits that cover temporary disabilities. While this might be more expensive, you can shop around for the deal that best fits your situation. You will have a variety of plans to choose from, but make sure you read the fine print before signing.
These private programs do not require you to have a severe disability and will even cover partial disabilities as long as you meet their specific requirements. This is why asking questions is so important and feel free to consult with a disability lawyer before making your final decision. Some contracts can be difficult to escape once you sign.
Feeling like you cannot gain access to the disability benefits you need can be frustrating. Consider reaching out to a Pennsylvania Denied Benefits Appeal Attorney if you have any questions about why your disability claim was rejected and what your options are. You can call Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) – 300 – 0909 for a consultation today. Our legal team of Pennsylvania disability lawyers might be able to help you strengthen your claim with additional evidence.