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| Government Disability |
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| Government-sponsored disability insurance programs are designed by federal, state, and local governments to provide basic income protection, and sometimes medical benefits, to disabled individuals. While these programs may not offer the comprehensive protection an employee might like, they can help save an employee and their family from financial ruin if they are unable to work.
Who is Covered?
To be eligible to receive disability benefits from government insurance programs, an employee must meet the requirements established by each program. For instance, the disability may need to be totally disabling (Social Security), work-related (workers' compensation), or non-work-related (state assistance). An employee may have to work a certain length of time before becoming eligible for benefits (Social Security and FERS).
What government-sponsored disability programs are available?
- Social Security disability benefits
Two programs administered by the Social Security Administration pay disability benefits. The Social Security disability insurance program pays benefits to qualified individuals who are under age 65, regardless of income. The other program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), pays benefits to qualified individuals with limited income who are over age 65, or are blind or disabled.
- Workers' compensation
All states (and the District of Columbia) have workers' compensation laws designed to protect employed individuals who get sick, injured, or killed on the job. Although most workers are covered by these laws, a few occupations are excluded, and some states exempt small-business employers from the law. Under workers' compensation, disability benefits are paid only to covered workers whose illnesses or injuries are work-related. How benefits are paid and in what amount are determined by state law and are based on how severe and permanent your injury or illness is.
- Veterans administration benefits
Military service members and veterans are entitled to disability compensation for service-connected health problems. Military-sponsored programs include disability retirement, temporary disability retirement, and disability severance pay. Veterans Administration benefits include disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and VA pensions. Since the rules surrounding these benefits can be complex and change often, it's best to check with your military personnel office or local VA office if you have questions about any of these benefits.
- State-sponsored programs
To date, five states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) pay disability benefits to residents who are disabled due to injuries or illnesses not related to work. Benefits may be payable up to 26 weeks (39 weeks in California).
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