Principal Attorney
Disability insurance can protect you if you are unable to work due to an injury or illness. An attorney with our law firm can help you understand the differences between short-term and long-term disability insurance and help you apply for other benefits that may be available to you through Social Security Disability.
What Is Disability Insurance?
Disability insurance provides income replacement if you cannot work because of a physical or mental health condition. Unlike workers’ compensation insurance, disability insurance does not require that your injury or illness be job-related. This type of insurance is usually purchased by you or your employer and can include short-term and long-term policies.
What Are the Key Differences Between Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance?
There are essential differences between short-term and long-term disability insurance, including:
- What is covered – According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, short-term disability policies typically cover between 40 and 70 percent of your salary if you are unable to perform your current job. Long-term disability typically covers 60 percent of your gross monthly income if you cannot work any job at all, not just your current job.
- When coverage begins – Disability benefits begin after an elimination period. For short-term disability, the elimination period is usually seven to 30 days, with 14 days being the average for most policies. Long-term disability has a longer elimination period, usually 30 days to two years, with 90 days being the average.
- How long coverage lasts – Short-term disability is intended for injuries that may last several months to around a year. Long-term disability is for more permanent conditions and may last several years or until you are eligible for Social Security.
Are You Eligible for Disability Insurance Benefits?
California is one of only a few states that requires employers to provide employees with short-term disability insurance via a state-run program. Therefore, you likely have this type of coverage. According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), you qualify for short-term disability if you:
- Cannot do your regular job for at least eight days due to illness, injury, surgery, pregnancy, or childbirth
- Have lost wages due to your medical condition
- Were working or looking for work at the time your disability began
- Earned at least $300 from work with State Disability Insurance (SDI) deducted from your paycheck
You have long-term disability insurance if you have purchased a private policy or if your employer provides one to you. To receive long-term disability insurance, you must provide your insurer with detailed medical records proving you have a severe injury or illness and cannot work in any capacity.
Can You Receive Disability Insurance Benefits and Social Security Disability Concurrently?
If you have a severe medical condition, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in addition to long-term disability (LTD) insurance payments. You can receive LTD and SSDI concurrently, though your LTD payments will be offset by the amount of SSDI you receive.
To be eligible for SSDI, you must have:
- Earned work credits via Social Security payroll taxes (typically 40 credits, though younger workers may apply with fewer)
- A severe medical condition that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) (i.e., earning more than $1,620 monthly from work)
- An injury or illness that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
Contact Disability Advocates Group for Disability Claims Assistance
A Social Security Disability attorney with Disability Advocates Group can help you seek SSDI benefits if you are unable to work because of a severe medical condition. We can assist with initial applications and appealing denied claims. We can also coordinate with your disability insurance provider to ensure you receive all the income payments to which you are entitled.
Our law firm focuses solely on helping disabled clients get the money they need to protect their health and future. We serve individuals across California. Complete our online contact form or call today for a free consultation.
