Dealing with Disabilities? Will They be Long Term?
Long term disabilities are among some of the most frightening injuries or illnesses in the United States today. Not only has an individual's health been disrupted, but frequently he or she finds that he or she cannot go to a workplace on a regular basis or is not capable of taking care of himself/herself without some kind of assistance. Even more distressing than this, however, is that most people do not know what steps to take if they find themselves in this type of distressing situation.
Fortunately, there are hundreds, or even thousands, of publicly available resources out there if you know where to look. In the next few paragraphs, you will learn what steps to take to get the appropriate insurance coverage, how to find a trustworthy health assistant, and what to do to make sure you are as happy as possible during this time. Read on!
Support and Services for Long Term Disabilities
As soon as possible after your injury or illness, you should attempt to familiarize yourself with the support and services for long term disabilities that are available both in your region and nationwide. The first, and perhaps one of the most important, thing to consider is your insurance coverage, especially if you have missed or will miss a great deal of work and/or have accumulated a large number of medical bills.
Though individual insurance policies vary, most long term disability benefits kick in ONLY after an individual has exhausted all of his/her sick days AND an additional 21 weeks of short term disability benefits. In some instances, long term benefits will compensate an individual for a full 70% of his/her normal salary! If you feel you are deserving of long term benefits but have been or fear you will be denied, contact a lawyer specializing in these types of cases. Many firms offer free consultations and do not charge unless they win your settlement.
Whether or not your insurance covers it, if you are hurt or ill enough, you might want to consider hiring help. A good rule of thumb is not to hire anyone you would not trust with your children. Be cautious of their demeanor, however: You do not want to find yourself being treated as a child or an invalid. Also, if you intend to give this person access to your finances, it would be wise to do an extensive background check and to periodically make sure his/her records of your expenses/income match up to your own.
Finally, since many people who suffer from a disability find it easy to become depressed or lonely, consider joining a support group for those with long term disabilities. These people are going or have already went through what you are experiencing and probably have good advice that you cannot get from a book or physician. Even more fortunate, in today's high-tech society, you can access many of these groups online if you are unable to leave the house.
While no one wants to suffer a disability of any kind, following the aforementioned steps will help make your journey through these choppy waters as smooth as possible. Good luck!
Disability Insurance Articles
- Long Term Disability: When Your Benefits Are Denied
- Disability and Insurance Claims: Prepare for Long Term
- Disability Insurance: Making the Best Claims
- Suffering from a Disability? Get Your Rightful Benefits!
- Long Term Claims and Disability: Details of ERISA