If you are unable to work, you are entitled to file for Social Security Disability benefits. Additionally, you might have access to benefits through a private disability policy. It is often possible to receive short and long term disability benefits concurrently with Social Security Disability benefits. An experienced lawyer who specializes in both long term and short term disability cases can help you understand and navigate the application process for these benefits effectively.
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Understanding General and Residual Disability
Long Term Disability Coverage Types:
- General Disability: This coverage applies when you are unable to perform the duties of any occupation. For instance, if you are an orthopedic surgeon, general disability coverage assesses whether you can continue working in that specific capacity. Most policies require that you be unable to perform the significant duties of your own occupation for a period of two years. After two years, the criteria often shift to being unable to perform any job.
- Residual Disability: This type of policy kicks in when an injury or impairment prevents you from performing some of your job duties or working the same number of hours, thus causing a loss of income. Residual disability benefits are designed to compensate for this income loss.
Policy Limitations:
Most disability policies have an age limit, typically cutting off or significantly reducing benefits at age 65. For mental impairments, benefits are commonly limited to 24 months, a practice upheld by courts despite challenges from insurance carriers attempting to classify physical disabilities as mental impairments.
For more detailed information about General and Residual Disability coverage and how these apply to your specific situation, contact the short and long term disability lawyers at Silver & Silver today.