Three Things You Should Know If You Need To Collect Disability Benefits
Posted on: 4 February 2021
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If you have been injured and can no longer work or you have experienced a reduction in how much income you can earn because of an injury, you will want to collect disability benefits. But the process of approval can be confusing, The following are a few things you should know.
There are two general types of disability benefits
People are often confused about the word disability as it relates to the monetary benefits someone receives who cannot work. One is a private insurance that is carried by most businesses. This insurance, usually referred to as workers' compensation, will pay someone who has been injured at work until they have rehabilitated. The other type of disability benefit comes from the federal government, specifically the Social Security Administration. This is a type of long-term disability for those who can no longer work or who cannot make a certain amount of money. If the injury occurred on the job, the priority will be your employer's insurance. Otherwise, you will need to file for disability with the Social Security Administration.
You should consult an attorney for a job-related permanent disability
If you are currently collecting workers' compensation, but it has become clear that you may not be able to work due to a permanent disability, you should seek an attorney's advice. This is because there are laws regarding how much money you will be legally entitled to. A doctor will need to evaluate your disability to determine the level of use you have for different parts of your body. This will determine how much money you will be given in a settlement. The entire procedure is complex, so having an attorney is essential. In addition, laws regarding workers' compensation insurance and the exact way cases are settled vary from one state to another.
You should consult an attorney for disability from Social Security
If you have a disability that is not work-related or your employer was a small business that did not carry workers' compensation, you may need to apply for benefits from the Social Security Administration. However, before you decide to do so, it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer. This is because the definition of what qualifies for disability benefits is very strict and well-defined. Not only will you need to qualify, but you will need to document your disability to the satisfaction of the Social Security office. A majority of applications are rejected because the process is not as easy as it may seem. But having a lawyer will improve your chances of approval.
Disability benefits can be confusing because there are both private sector insurance and government benefit options. Both types of benefits can be difficult to collect, but if you have an attorney, the process is easier. Not every attorney handles both types of benefits, so you need to inquire.
To learn more, contact a disability attorney.