Insurance is a financial cushion that every individual must explore to secure the financial future of themselves and their dependents. In some cases, people living with disabilities face unique challenges and uncertainties. They may benefit even more from insurance, especially the ones that have tailored options for disability. These insurance plans help eliminate financial burdens and provide essential support. Here are some of the benefits that one should be aware of:
What is considered a disability?
Since disability can affect one’s earning capability, disability insurance is more or less a partial replacement for one’s income that can cover daily necessary expenses. In insurance, a disability can be any impairment from birth or caused by injury or illness, encompassing both mental and physical. To qualify for life insurance, however, the condition should not directly affect one’s life expectancy. Similarly, anxiety or PTSD can also affect one’s insurance rate.
Insurance benefits for disabled
Government-sponsored insurance
Individuals with disabilities qualify for two types of government insurance. First is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which covers working individuals who are no longer able to do so because of their disability and provides them with monthly payments. Second is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which works as per individual needs. These provide cash assistance to cover living basics and are determined by one’s current income.
Insurance for disabled veterans
Disabled veterans can opt for Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In this, one can get up to $10,000 of life coverage. In case the person gets fully disabled, one can qualify for supplemental coverage of up to $30,000.
Benefits on group insurance for disabled
Workers typically get group insurance from their employers, which is more affordable and straight-forward when it comes to claims. Usually, the coverage equals a year’s salary amount, and both parties pay equally to keep it going. In case a person becomes disabled, however, some group insurance waive off the premium payments from employees. While there are certain mandates, like the person must be disabled for 180 days and must be below 60 years, it may benefit many individuals.
Short and long-term benefits
One can also opt for short-term protection post an accident, which can be up to two years, or long-term insurance over two years. Many policies offer a combination of these and provide coverage until one’s retirement.
