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Misleading Ideas You May Have About Disability Benefits

6 December 2016

Christopher Wilson

Becoming disabled can be a tragic event in a person's life. While this can represent a tremendous loss of freedom, there are benefits that are designed for those that have experienced this unfortunate life event. Exposing the truth concerning frequent misbeliefs about disability benefits may provide you with a better understanding of what you should expect as you attempt to adjust to your new life.

Myth: You Can Only Receive Long Term Disability If You Have Private Insurance

While there are many insurance companies that sell long term disability benefits policies, it is not necessary for you to have one of these policies to receive benefits. For example, it is possible for you to obtain disability benefits through the Social Security program. Also, there are many state-level programs designed to help individuals that have suffered long term disability. By consulting with an experienced disability attorney, you can have a much stronger understanding about the particular benefits that are available in your jurisdiction.

Myth: Long Term Disability Only Pays For Your Medical Expenses

The medical expenses that can come with being disabled may be a tremendous burden. While disability benefits often provide coverage for these expenses, they may also provide help with your living expenses. This help may be the form of rent vouchers, direct deposits, food stamps and numerous other forms of government assistance. The amount that you can receive is capped, but you may also qualify for back pay if you have missed substantial amounts of work as a result of your disability.

Myth: You Can Not Work At All While You Are On Disability Benefits

It is frequently assumed that a person on disability will be legally unable to work in any capacity. Yet, these programs often allow for disabled people to work a marginal amount for supplementary income. The exact amount will vary based on the state laws and evolving federal regulations. Typically, the limits on work will be for both the number of hours that you can work as well as the total amount of money that you may earn. Failing to follow these guidelines could result in your benefits being revoked. Additionally, you may find yourself liable for paying back much of the money you received if it is determined that you were committing fraud by circumventing these work and earnings restrictions. A safe measure may be to speak with your attorney prior to accepting any work so that you do not unwittingly place your benefits at risk of being terminated.

Contact a firm like Scott E. Shaffman Attorney At Law to learn more about your options.

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