Each state is responsible for establishing distinct rules and regulations regarding disability benefits and disability income insurance. Therefore, the laws regarding disability insurance and benefits vary significantly from one state to another. It is important that an individual understand the state disability benefit regulations that exist in his/her state.
All states within the United States have some type of disability benefits program in place for individuals who are disabled. Most of these programs offer financial assistance to individuals who are suffering from long term or permanent disabilities. Permanently disabled individuals will be provided with the funds necessary to support themselves, in the event that their disability prohibits them from working. However, if an individual suffers from a temporary disability, such as a serious injury or illness, that prevents him/her from working for a relatively short period of time (usually a few weeks), he/she may bot be covered by his/her state disability benefits program.
Not all states offer residents temporary disability benefits. There are only five states throughout the nation that provide temporarily disabled individuals with this type of financial assistance. Therefore, if an individual is injured and is not able to work for an extended period of time, he/she may not have access to essential financial fund during this time period. In order to avoid this, an individual can choose to purchase disability income insurance.
Any individual can choose to acquire this type of insurance policy through a private insurance agency. Some states provide state employees with this insurance, by automatically deducting a small amount of money from their income to cover disability insurance. However, most states to not provide individuals with this protection, and therefore, an individual may want to consider purchasing disability income insurance.
NEXT: Long Term Disability Insurance