There are several financial options available for those struggling with a disability. The severity of the disability will partially determine which disability programs you might be eligible for. Exploring the types of short-term and long-term disability insurance programs may help you decide which one is best for you. An experienced Philadelphia individual disability insurance attorney can also help with this process.

Short-Term Versus Long-Term Disability Insurance

You might be wondering what the differences are between short-term disability insurance and long-term disability insurance. A short-term disability is a disability that usually lasts between two to 26 weeks on average. Any disability that lasts under a year is usually not covered by long-term disability insurance programs.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two government-sponsored disability benefits programs. These programs are only offered to those with long-term disabilities. In other words, these are disabilities that are either expected to last at least one year or lead to an early death.

Private disability insurance companies and employers in certain states usually offer coverage for short-term disabilities. Unlike long-term disabilities, short-term disabilities are expected to last less than a year and not lead to premature death. Short-term disabilities tend to be less severe and temporary. Long-term disabilities tend to be severe and lifelong.

Group disability is also covered by certain employers under ERISA laws that regulate employer group benefits. This coverage is usually considered long-term and is provided by an employer or union. Employers can purchase this group coverage from an insurance company or develop a self-funded plan.

Pros and Cons of Disability Insurance

Exploring the pros and cons of disability insurance versus SSA disability benefits may help you decide which one is right for you. Private disability insurance programs involve paying for the disability benefits yourself or your employer. This comes with things you would expect from an insurance company, like:

• Policies
• Limits
• Eligibility requirements
• Payouts
• Possibility of denied coverage
• Extra charges for additional health issues
• Time limits for coverage

Many people may see these as cons of private disability insurance, while others may see these as part of the deal. The pros of private disability insurance are a wider variety of coverage options through different policies and coverage of partial disabilities. The main con of SSA disability benefits is that these benefits are not provided for short-term disabilities.

The SSA has stricter criteria for eligibility. A disability must be severe, last at least one year, or lead to an early death. However, the pros of SSA disability benefits are not having to pay for them. Unlike private disability insurance, government disability benefits have already been paid for through past work experience.

If you cannot decide, then try contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer who can offer guidance. In some cases, you can have both private and government disability coverage.

Contact Edelstein, Martin & Nelson for Legal Aid

Choosing the right disability benefits program can be frustrating at times. Feel free to consult with a Philadelphia disability lawyer about your disability benefits options. Contact Edelstein, Martin & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today about your disability claim. Our team of attorneys is ready to help you increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.