Disability Options For A Short-Term Disability

Short term disabilities aren't typically covered by social security, which means you may be left struggling after you recover. Fortunately, there is some recourse that can help you recoup some of your losses. The following information can help.

What is the purpose of social security disability?

To understand why a short-term disability isn't covered, you must know what SSD is for in the first place. The purpose of SSD is to cover long-term and life-time disabilities that partially or completely prevent you from earning a wage. It isn't meant to replace lost wages for recuperation and healing from an injury or brief illness, even if the recuperation takes months as opposed to days.

Are there other options?

Some states, including Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and California, require employers to carry a short-term disability insurance plan for their employees. Qualifications can vary, with some states only requiring payments to be made if the short-term disability is job related, while others require it to cover any type of disability.

Other options include personal short term disability plans. Sometimes disability insurance policies are sold as add-ons for other insurance products, such as life, home, or medical insurance, so check all of your plan coverages if you aren't sure if you have disability coverage.

Should you skip filing for SSD?

If you are going to be out of work for more than a few weeks, or if you aren't sure if your disability is short-term or permanent, file for SSD right away. It can take months for a claim to be processed, so it's best to err on the side of caution and file even if you aren't sure if you qualify. The worst case scenario is that your claim is denied.

When should one consider an appeal?

There is one way to be awarded SSD for a temporary disability. If your claim is denied, you can appeal it and request closed period benefits. These will be paid out as a lump sum and there will be no ongoing payments. These are referred to as closed period disability benefits, since they are for a period with a definite beginning and end date. You can't simply apply for these, You will need to prove to a judge that you were disabled and unable to work during the time for which you are requesting benefits. Appealing for closed period benefits can be difficult but well worth it, so it is advisable to consult with a social security disability lawyer before proceeding.

Contact a social security disability law professional, like Paul F Guthrie, for more information.