Know and Avail Your Disability Insurance Benefits Pronto

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.

Why You Should Not Let Disability Limit Your Mobility

For those of use who are able to walk around on our own, it’s difficult to imagine the challenges facing those with a disability.  We take for granted the simple act of traveling by car.  Unfortunately for those with a disability, getting in and out of their vehicle is not their only challenge. Storing the wheelchair in their car becomes an immediate concern.

For those with limited mobility, and a van, wheelchair lifts and ramps help to ease wheel chairs in and out of your vehicle.  This will increase your freedom, allowing you to go out more, and enjoy more of life’s opportunities.  You can store your wheelchair by attaching it to the ramp.  The ramp that you choose may also be easily foldable and allow you to store it safely inside your van while you are away from the vehicle.

Depending on your needs, a manual or power wheelchair lift will give you the assistance you are looking for. Prices start between $350-$450, and in some cases, may be covered by your medical insurance plan.

Manual wheelchair lifts normally work with any folding manual wheelchair and require a Class I hitch. The spring loaded platforms on many of these models helps to make lifting the wheelchair easier.  The weight capacity can differ from model to model, so it’s important to do some research.

Power wheelchair lifts literally lift your wheelchair into your vehicle.  Although more expensive than their manual counterparts, the power lift can handle heavier types of wheelchairs, and for the most part, is easier to use.

When choosing a wheel chair lift, make sure that you determine that you are choosing a model suitable for your chair.  There are many different sizes and models of lifts that will accommodate different styles of chairs, so just make sure that your chair is suitable for the lift.  

Another feature to note when purchasing your chair lift is weight.  Different lifts will hold various weights.  Typical weights range from 300-500 pounds, so choose a lift that will handle your needs best.  

Wheelchair Lifts: Inside and Outside Loading and Options

Wheelchair lifts come in both inside and outside loading models.  The inside models will fit inside trunks and when they are not in use will disassemble for easy storage. You should determine your lift based upon your basic preference and choice.    Whether you purchase an inside or outside loading, you should ensure that the model you purchase comes with a warranty.  

Purchasing a wheelchair lift can be done through financing if you want to purchase a brand new one, or you may find great savings by searching for a used one. Remember, as mentioned earlier, to see if your purchase can be covered under your insurance.

Another option available is to have your vehicle or van modified by a professional company to accommodate your wheelchair. While expensive, it does provide a perfect solution for someone who wants to travel, and is not going to let their disability hold them back!

Wheelchair Lift: Construction

Your wheelchair lift needs to be sturdy and the material of choice is solid aluminum, though you may also purchase a solid steel model as well.  Your lift should also be rust proof, easy to install, and require little or no maintenance.  Make sure that you have an experienced professional install your lift, this is too important to be left to “want to be” handymen.  As soon as you begin to think there may be a problem with your lift, have a professional come and look at it right away.  Make sure to keep all warranty and guarantee paperwork, in case there is a problem with your lift.

Wheelchair Ramps: Who Needs Stairs

Stairs have always provided a challenge to disabled persons and office buildings often were never built to accommodate someone with a wheelchair. Fortunately, that is no longer a worry with portable wheelchair ramps.

Many of these ramps can be extended to reach 3 meters (9ft) and can be used to conquer stairs or to assist with getting into a van.  An added bonus is that many of the wheelchair ramps that are designed today are lightweight and can be carried literally anywhere and stored anywhere.

Life is too short not to be enjoyed!  There are plenty of solutions available to disabled persons to allow them the mobility they deserve. Get out there and enjoy life to its fullest.

Is this EXTREME disability fraud?

So my neighbor worked for UPS about 10 years ago then supposedly had a problem with his lungs and can “no longer work”. He was having oxygen delivered to his house for a while but that has stopped. I remember being in his house and seeing a giant closet full of unused tanks. As far as I know, he never used them. Now the juicy stuff… This man has a lung problem, yet mows his lawn twice a week, seals his blacktop driveway regularly, is currently painting his house, shovels snow, etc. He’s basically just doing A LOT of work around his house all the time with no problem at all. His wife also says she hurt back lifting her handicapped daughter (quite possible). She also shovels the driveway and wears a knee brace for no reason. She kept bugging the state to get her a van with a wheelchair lift to replace the other van they gave her without a wheel chair lift. She got what she asked for, and kept the other van. It has been nearly 3 years since she was given the van, and she has not put her daughter in it once. The engine recently blew and it was fixed for her because “How else am I going to take my daughter around”.
Both sides of their family are all also on disability, but have no problems working off the books and coming over to party all of the time. Some may say that it’s none of my concern, but I’m sick and tired of these people living much better than my family. Both of us work full time, and their house is basically a mansion compared to ours….and WE’RE PAYING FOR IT. This man can work, his wife might need to be home to take care of their daughter, but she should not be receiving money to do so based on her “bad back” alone. Can I report this? Do I have a case?

What accommodations for Condo parking for a person with disability living with a person without disabilities?

My boyfriend lives with me in my condo complex. I drive a handicapped accessible van, have a car with hand controls and he has a truck. The association is telling me to park the van and car in my garage, and the truck in the driveway. The van has a ramp so I am unable to park another vehicle in my garage. He cant park the truck in the driveway or I cant get my van out of the garage. They are refusing to let him park on the street. What are my rights with ADA and a solution?

Disability vehicle 8

Specially modified disability vehicle

Can I file for temporary disability if I have to go on leave early?

I get up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. My place of employment is Wal-mart. I can’t afford to go on leave but work is so physically difficult I almost can’t stand for more than an hr without leaning on something or sitting down. Pain is increasing as well as standing all day. I have no vacation time for I’ve been there only 8 months. Saving money is very difficult because I constantly spend it on food or fixing our vehicle. We do intend to get food stamps but time is running out quickly. What can I do for money?

Freedom and Mobility Even with Disability

With the many mobility products that are available today, there is no reason that anyone should find themselves immobile or relying on others to provide them with assistance.  If you are really seeking ways that you can really grab onto your independence, then there are several things that you can consider.  The first of these is a wheelchair accessible van or minivan.  These vehicles are regular cars that have been converted to accommodate a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, and may even have several additional features that can make driving easier for anyone with disabilities.  These mobility vehicles can be expensive, of course, but you can seek out dealers that offer used models as well as wheelchair van rentals.  

These wheelchair vans will likely include a wheelchair lift, which is in place to assist the driver into the car with his or her wheelchair or scooter.  This particular wheelchair lift is called a platform lift, and is either electric or hydraulic.  There are some lifts, however, that are not intended to get the wheelchair and the driver into the vehicle.  These lifts, instead, are meant to lift the wheelchair or scooter and secure it to the back of the vehicle, but only for the sake of transportation.

The other types of wheelchair lifts that can make your life easier are stair wheelchair lifts.  These can also be platform lifts that work something like an elevator.  Many establishments will provide a platform wheelchair lift outside, so that gives you some idea of the type of lift that you’re looking for.  You can also find wheelchair lifts that can carry the user and the wheelchair up an entire flight of stairs, and not just a small amount of them.

Before making a decision, you should first figure out exactly what your needs are.  There are many different types available, and each will perform a different function.  You may find that you need more than one wheelchair lift depending on the different uses that you have in mind.  Take a look around your home and vehicle to see which best fits your needs.  Then be sure to shop around so that you’re getting the best deal on exactly what you want.  You may also want to consult your doctor, too, to make sure that there aren’t any issues that you haven’t thought of yet.  Once you’ve made your purchase, though, you’re on your way to greater independence.

how can i get help to get a handicapped wheelchair van with a disability income?

I have a disease call sarcoidosis which has been with me for twenty years now I’m confined to a wheelchair and I need transportation.

being sued on disability?

my fiance had a vehicle repossessed about a year ago, and he is not able to make the payments to them any longer that they want him to they threatened to garnish his wages if he didnt pay up what he owes. his only income is his disabilty check becaus he is not able to work we live in iowa and i havent been able to find out if they can actually do that???

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