Types of Disability Claims in Philadelphia

Unfortunately, false information about disability recipients paints a negative image of those who require this assistance to live full lives. While stories about people collecting disability checks fraudulently aren’t all false, they’re also not nearly as common as you might have been led to believe.

Disability insurance can be life-saving for people who have been injured and are no longer able to support themselves by working. Determining if you’re capable of receiving disability in Philadelphia can be complicated without the guidance of an experienced Philadelphia disability and insurance attorney.

Types of Disability Claims

There are two types of disability claims; short-term and long-term.

Short-term disability insurance might only last for six months or so and is used most often in cases where a person can return to work after a period of recovery. It won’t replace your entire paycheck, but it will cover a portion of it. People typically get short-term insurance through their employer, although private policies are also available.

Long-term disability insurance is for people who are out of work for long periods of time, anywhere from years to the rest of their lives. Some employers offer long-term disability, although it’s much less common. Many people choose to purchase supplemental insurance to take care of the gaps in their employer-provided long-term insurance coverage.

What Happens if you Need Disability Insurance and Don’t Have It?

In cases where you need disability insurance and don’t have it, there are options that can help you.

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are federal programs that assist people with disabilities who meet specific criteria. To receive Social Security disability insurance, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. You receive work credits based on your yearly income – up to four per year – and you must have accumulated at least 40 credits to qualify for disability. You also must have paid Social Security taxes on your income.

Social Security disability doesn’t depend on your income. Instead, it’s based on whether you have enough work credits and whether you meet the standard for disability. If you’re still working and earn more than $1,180 a month, you cannot be considered disabled. Your condition has to be considered severe, meaning your ability to do basic tasks like walking and standing are severely limited. The Social Security Administration also has a list of conditions that meet the standard.

If you don’t necessarily meet the criteria, the Social Security Administration will have to determine your particular case. They will then decide whether or not you can still do your previous job or if you are capable of doing any other work.

Philadelphia Disability and Insurance Lawyer

Many people across Philadelphia struggle with obtaining benefits and find themselves turning to lawyers after they’ve been denied. It’s a complicated process with many steps, and without a knowledgeable professional to guide you, you run the risk of finding yourself unable to work without any coverage. If you’ve been denied disability insurance benefits by an insurer or the federal government, contact the Philadelphia disability law firm of Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (215) 858-8440, or toll-free at (800) 887-4529.

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