Disability coverage is available for many different types of situations, but they all have one thing in common: the person filing for disability needs help. That help can come in many forms. For most, it’s financial assistance or workplace accommodations, but for others it could simply be a record made, or services available when they are needed. 

If you are worried that you will lose your job, income, or the progress you have made in your career due to a disability, filing for disability can help you retain those things. Still, this does depend on your particular situation and where you live, as many disability requirements can vary from state to state and with employers.

Where to Look for Help

Depending on where you live and the type of disability that you have, the programs available to you as well as their benefits will differ. If you have any sort of disability, it’s your right to use any of these programs to get yourself to a better place. 

Using a mobility scooter or a walker during one’s surgery recovery doesn’t necessarily mean that the person can’t work or isn’t able to contribute to their job. However, sometimes employers are afraid of the length of time it’ll take for those employees to recover. Many employees get discouraged because of their employers’ reactions when they show up wearing an arm cast. Sometimes employers try reducing the employee’s hours, changing the way they treat the employee, or even letting the employee go. 

But that doesn’t mean that this employee can’t come back to work, nor does it mean that their employer can cut them off from making money during this period of time. What it does mean is that this employee can go on short term disability. 

The Social Security Disability Program

The Social Security Administration projects that roughly 64% of workers born in 1997 will experience a full year of disability that qualifies for disability benefits before they reach retirement age. That’s more than 3 out of every 5 people.

Whether your disability is new and suddenly acquired or something you’ve been dealing with for a while, these programs are meant to assist with your well being. Everyone has the right to live well. Sometimes it takes some help to keep your life the way it’s meant to be.

The official SSA program for disability covers everyone, but only in cases with near or total disability. To get the full benefit, you’ll have to have been disabled for a year or more.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance may be provided by your employer or it may be something you have chosen to purchase. These plans aren’t usually as comprehensive as what the social security system offers, but depending on your disability and financial situation, they may offer something in addition to that system.

Many large employers offer both short-term and long-term disability programs, lasting until recovery or retirement, respectively. It’s important to note that any income gained through an insurance program is subject to income tax, unlike SSI or SSDI.

Auto Insurance

If your injury is a result of an an automotive accident, auto insurance may offer some help, if it includes personal injury protection. 

Programs for Veterans

As a veteran, you may receive additional income or benefits depending on your specific situation. The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for these programs.

State Short Term Disability Programs

If you have a temporary disability, which means one that’s projected to impact your life for a year or less, you can file for short term disability. However, this only applies to states with short term disability programs or disability insurance, not the SSA’s program.

Not every state offers a full short-term disability program state-wide. The few that do include California, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Hawaii. However, if your state isn’t one of these, don’t give up hope.

Other states, like Maryland and Pennsylvania, have limited short-term disability programs. These sometimes offer a set cash payout or housing assistance. Depending on your situation, this may be just as valuable. Information about specific programs may be available through your state’s website, social security office, or human resources through your employer. 

You Can Work and Qualify for Disability

While the SSDI programs typically require the person to have at least one permanent or long-term disability to qualify, disability insurance programs may go further. If you are still able to work in some capacity, filing for disability through your employer could help you cover medical costs or help replace part of your income if you have to take significant time off of work.

In either case, it’s important to remember that disability programs of all kinds are there to help you and anyone in a tough spot due to a disability. More than 10% of the American population has a disability that qualifies them for assistance at any one time. That number jumps to 1 in 4 people if you only look at those over 65.

If you are at a job where you are still capable of working, but are impaired by your disability, you aren’t excluded from receiving disability benefits. However, these benefits will most likely come from your employer’s disability insurance or a state program. 

Remember; you don’t need to feel limited because of your disability. If you need to use something, you can find the best manual wheelchair or handicap mobility scooter for your needs by looking at different helpful measures that support your daily activity. 

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