July 25, 2008, Newsletter Issue #20: Government Disability Insurance Explained

Tip of the Week

A gentleman named Tom Comeau once commented: “The AP reported that Social Security celebrated its 65th birthday recently. No wonder it’s about to quit working.” But disability income insurance is still regularly being provided by the government. A discussion of federal disability insurance programs generally includes the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) plan.

SSDI remains the primary government supplier of disability benefits to qualified citizens. To be eligible, you must have

Worked in jobs covered by Social SecurityHave a medical condition that meets the Social Security definition of disabilityBe unable to work for a year or more If you qualify, insurance benefits are payable even if you are covered by a private group or individual disability insurance plan. A potential downside is the sometimes complex and often time-consuming application process. Patience is a key word in this case.

The SSI disability program is designed to provide you with cash for the basic necessities of life, including food, clothing, and shelter. Primary eligibility for SSI benefits is based on your age (65 or older) OR blindness OR disability AND provided you have limited income, limited resources, and are a U.S. citizen, national, or an alien in a covered category.

Refer to your insurance policy contract for specific information regarding your coverage and for actual terms, conditions and exclusions. The above statements are general in nature and may or may not reflect the actual terms of your insurance policy.

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