Health Pixie » Disabilities

United States Disability Welfare Benefits, a Must Know

hanun — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:33:49 +0000

Disability is something that most people do not like to ponder on, as it has markings of unfavorable outcomes to one’s life and existence.

However, the chances that one will become disabled are probably greater than one can expect. You may become vulnerable to suffer from crippling injuries leading to your being disabled especially at this present time.

To aggravate this, according to some studies, a 20-year-old worker has a 3 in 10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.

Alarming, is not it? This is something that the public should take concern of because of the greater potential of being the subject of disability.

With this concern, it would be worthy to learn basic information about Disability Welfare Benefits that the government has disposed for the public’s benefit.

In addition, knowing these benefits is relevant, especially since American workers have paid part of their paycheck into these disability welfare insurance.

United States Disability Welfare Benefits

Several Federal Disability Welfare Benefits have been waged by the government intended for use of the disabled. These benefits have been categorized according to its subject and purpose. All of them were designed as disability welfare for all qualified disabled persons.

To name some of these benefits is worth illuminating, thus:

•    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) held under the Social Security Administration (SSA)

•    Disability welfare for the veterans, held by the United States Veterans Affairs

•    Housing benefits for people living with disabilities, held by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

•    Disability welfare for workingmen with disability, as held by the Department of Labor

•    Another resource for workingmen’s disability benefits, available and sanctioned by the American Association of People with Disabilities

From the foregoing enumeration, the most and highly invoked disability benefits come from the SSDI and SSI held under the SSA and workingmen’s disability benefits administered by the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Thus, this article will discuss and illuminate in these areas.

Two main Federal Welfare Benefits

SSI and SSDI

Those covered under the Federal disability transfer policy are the SSDI and SSI. These benefits are limited to the group of individuals with disabilities who are unable to perform any substantial gainful activity.

To be entitled for these benefits, the SSA follows a common health-based disability eligibility criterion, applicable as to both, quoting “the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity, by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to result in death or last at least 12 months”.

Both the SSDI and SSI are administered by the SSA and the same adheres to the strict definition of disability. There are however apparent variance between the programs in terms of its goals and other remaining eligibility criteria.

ADA, Employment protection

A broader group of individuals with disabilities, including those who are able to work in the labor market are covered under the Employment protection policy provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

This federal welfare benefit requires employers to make reasonable accommodations to workers with disabilities unless it would cause undue hardship on the operation of their business.

Our competent disability lawyers can give you sound advice and assistance to your queries on Social Security disability benefits. Log on to our website to get the fullest attention you deserve.

Know and Avail Your Disability Insurance Benefits Pronto

hanun — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:05:43 +0000

A study reveals, “a 20-year-old worker has a 3 in 10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.”

If you suddenly find yourself out of job because of disability, do not lose hope. There is disability insurance and benefits program that you can avail in the US to help you tide over the times you were disabled and thus off work.

Employer disability insurance program

Majority of employers offer medical, dental and life insurance benefits to their employees nowadays. On top of that, some offers disability benefits, which can range from short-term disability and long-term disability, or both.

You may want to know what your own company can offer you. Read the copy of your employee’s manual or contract of employment. Your human resources officer can also provide you valuable information regarding your company’s disability insurance policy.

State Disability Insurance

Some states offer disability insurance benefits to those who are not covered by their employer’s disability benefits, or when there is no insurance provided at all. The following states, among others, offer disability insurance benefits:

•    California

•    New York

•    New Jersey

•    Hawaii

•    Rhode Island

Funds for disability insurance benefits in California come from contributions provided by employees. A portion of their paychecks forms part of the state fund. Those who cannot work because of disability unconnected to the job may file money claim to replace their lost income from such fund.

The California State Disability Insurance also covers cases of women who cannot report to work because of pregnancy or those who takes time off to take care of ill relatives or a newborn child.

Workmen’s Compensation

For employees who are not qualified to State’s Disability Insurance, they may claim under the Workmen’s Compensation Disability Insurance. Almost all states in the country require private and public employers to develop this type of disability insurance.

If you have been injured on the job or developed a job related sickness, you may file your claim under Workmen’s Compensation if your claim cannot fall under the State’s Disability Insurance.

Social Security disability benefits

The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits under the following programs:

1.    The Social Security disability insurance program

This program pays benefit to you and certain family members if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

If your child’s disability started before the age of 22, he/she may also qualify for benefits on your earnings record.

2.    The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program

This program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.

You may call SSA, visit their website or consult with a Social Security Law attorney to know how to avail SSA disability benefits.

Bear in mind however, that SSA imposes strict qualifications and proof of severe medical conditions to be eligible to SSA disability benefits.

Veterans’ disability insurance

For service members and veterans, the US Veterans Benefits Administration can give those benefits under either two programs; (1) the disability compensation and (2) the disability pension.

The disability compensation is given to service members and veterans who suffer at least 10% disability because of military service. The disability contemplated here includes physical injuries, physical and mental diseases, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

On the other hand, disability pension is given to eligible wartime veterans who have limited income and cannot work, or who are 65 years old or older.

These are just some of the various disability insurance benefits that you may avail of depending on your existing condition, coverage and qualification. Communicate with a proper government agency regarding your claim or consult with an attorney who has specialization on the matter.

In pursuing your disability insurance benefits, our credible and skilled Los Angeles lawyers will ensure that you will receive the rightful claim that you deserved.

Double Discrimination Faced by Women With Disabilities in the Workplace

hanun — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:52:59 +0000

In today’s society, disability is equated to being an illness. Although individuals with disabilities tend to face discrimination in society, the Canadian government acknowledges the importance of shifting away from the “stigma” and the biomedical approach when discussing disability. Their goal is to provide individuals with disabilities with independent living, social inclusion, control and social support. In order to achieve these goals, many changes needed to be made.

Over the years, the issue of gender discrimination has been frequently addressed by the government and policy makers. As a result, new laws and policies have been established in order to try and reach equality. In today’s society, however, although policies have been established, gender discrimination still exists. On the other hand, double discrimination faced by women with disabilities is not being addressed. People tend to discuss gender differences but it is not very often related to disability. It is almost as if society is not aware of the stigma that is associated with disability which is created by society. Women in general have not reached equality in the labour force and women with disabilities have not been given justice.

The focus on “normality” and narrow standards of beauty make it more difficult for women with disabilities to be recognized and included in society. It is believed that “normal” means not to be different from those who are in the able-bodied majority. This includes having a specific body type and face, looking young, as well as being an able-bodied individual. Society fears difference therefore it is referred to as “not normal”. Society also tends to pity those who are different and establishes various assumptions regarding the capabilities of those with disabilities. Pressure from society creates barriers and exclusion for women with disabilities. Women with disabilities should be looked at the same way as everyone else; there is no difference. They should be considered based on their capabilities and not assumptions that are created by others. Women with disabilities are capable of contributing to society if given the opportunity. Society fails to see the full potential of those with disabilities out of fear and thereby excludes them. Denying women with disabilities this opportunity is similar to trying to hide them. Individuals with disabilities should be integrated into society rather than trying to segregate them.

Independence and participation are the key concepts in today’s society. In order to be independent and able to survive, one needs to be employed or have some form of financial support. Employment in turn provides an income that is necessary for survival but also a sense of belonging because of the ability of giving back to society. Every individual strives towards independence but it is difficult to achieve it especially for women with disabilities. Women with disabilities are more likely to be employed in low-status or lower paid jobs. This in itself has an influence on achieving independence.

Employment means connecting with other people outside of home. Being employed allows individuals with disabilities to socialize and meet new people. Having people around enhances the quality of life of individuals. Many of those women with disabilities who are employed find that being employed engenders a sense of belonging, which has a positive influence on their self-esteem. In general, being employed opens a door to many opportunities. It is especially true for women with disabilities.

Although North America has rules and regulations in regards to employment of individuals with disabilities, clearly it is not enough. The unfortunate part is that most of these women do not speak up and if and when they do, they are ignored. In order to implement specific policies and regulations in regards to breaking down barriers for women with disabilities, these women themselves have to be involved as advocates if they have proper supports. What is problematic though, is that most women with disabilities are excluded when it comes to decision making. Over the years women have fought hard to be recognized in society and therefore at the present time it is hard to envision when women would be included when it comes to policy making. It is necessary to move towards the time when it will be hard to imagine not including women with disabilities when it comes to policy making.

Lack of accommodations and knowledge are two main components to exclusion and isolation from the labour force. Some of the employers are not aware of the importance of accommodating employees with disabilities. Lack of knowledge about disability and the stigma that is affiliated with it contributes to employment barriers. Having a law such as the ‘duty to accommodate’ demonstrates that efforts are being made and Canada is shifting towards becoming an equal opportunity type country. It was only 15 years ago when employers were not legally expected to ensure that individuals with disabilities were accommodated in their workplace. Having a law such as the ‘duty to accommodate’ can ensure that women with disabilities do not face direct or adverse effect types of discrimination. However, in many cases, most women with disabilities have faced direct discrimination.

Although the ‘duty to accommodate’ ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided with employment that meets their capabilities, it does not necessarily mean that the attitudes of others will go away. When it comes to the workplace, many employers disregard these policies. Thus, the issue that needs to be fully examined is why do employers disregard legislation and what needs to be done to ensure that employers understand the importance of such laws? This is the issue that still needs to be carefully examined in order to fully eliminate discrimination.