Types of Disability Benefits

Finding the right disability benefits program is important for securing your financial future. If one disability benefits program is not right for you, then another program could be. There are government disability benefits programs and private disability insurance programs. Each program has different eligibility criteria. Feel free to reach out to a Wilmington disability attorney if you have questions.

GOVERNMENT DISABILITY BENEFITS PROGRAMS

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two types of government disability benefits programs. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While these programs offer the same types of monetary benefits, they differ in eligibility criteria.

SSDI requires applicants to have a disability and enough work credits to qualify. The disability can be a mental or physical impairment. This impairment must be expected to last at least one year or lead to premature death. Work performance must be significantly hindered by the impairment.

Work credits are built up through past work history. A certain amount of work credits is required to become eligible for SSDI. Without sufficient work credits, the SSA can reject an application for SSDI. In terms of monetary benefits, SSDI tends to pay more than SSI and offers Medicare. However, Medicare starts slower than Medicaid does with SSI.

SSI is offered to those with blindness, a disability, or limited income and financial resources. Someone receiving SSI can continue working and receiving SSI benefits as long as their monthly income remains below the threshold. The monthly income threshold is the main eligibility criteria for SSI.

Medicaid starts as soon as SSI benefits start. Whereas Medicare for SSDI benefits does not start until 24 months after SSDI benefits start. For some people, this can be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing SSDI or SSI.

PRIVATE DISABILITY INSURANCE

Private disability insurance programs may become an option of interest for a variety of reasons. Not everyone qualifies for government disability programs due to the strict eligibility criteria. Some people may have a short-term disability that is causing serious financial strain.

Many private disability insurance programs offer benefits for people with short-term disabilities. This means partial disabilities could also qualify for private disability insurance. The downside is that many private disability insurance companies have time-limited benefits. Once the time limit is up, benefits could stop, even if the person is still disabled.

This is why researching the private disability insurance program you are interested in is important. Making sure you understand all aspects of the terms and conditions is vital. Try contacting a Wilmington disability benefits lawyer if you have questions about the program you are applying for. A lawyer can help you navigate complex legal terms.

DISABILITY ATTORNEY IN DELAWARE

Finding out your disability benefits were denied can be frustrating. Consider asking a Delaware disability lawyer about your options if your disability benefits application was denied. All you have to do is contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson by dialing (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation today. Our team of attorneys can help you find ways to increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.