Pennsylvania Disability Benefits

Guide to Pennsylvania Disability Benefits

If you have been temporarily or permanently disabled in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering if you are entitled to any federal or Pennsylvania disability compensation. In some cases, you may be able to receive Pennsylvania disability benefits if you have been hurt on the job or if you have become totally disabled. This guide will help you understand the different types of Pennsylvania disability benefits available to state residents so that you can pursue the most effective legal options in your situation.

Worker's Compensation Benefits

If you have been hurt on the job, you are most likely covered by worker's compensation. Worker's compensation is a no-fault system that allows you to collect Pennsylvania disability benefits for temporary or permanent disability. If you have been hurt in the course of your job duties, it does not matter why your injury happened—you are eligible for Pennsylvania disability benefits through the worker's compensation system.

Typically, in order to receive this type of Pennsylvania disability compensation, you will have to tell your employer about your disability as quickly as possible after the accident occurs or you first notice your occupational illness. If your employer tries not to pay your Pennsylvania disability benefits through worker's compensation, you may be able to hire a worker's compensation attorney who can represent your case and help you seek justice.

Bureau of Disability Determination

If you have been permanently disabled (your disability is expected to continue for at least one year or longer), and you are unable to do any substantial work, you may be eligible for Pennsylvania disability benefits through the federal Social Security Disability Insurance system. The bureau responsible for determining whether you are eligible for these federal and Pennsylvania disability benefits is called the Bureau of Disability Determination.

The Bureau of Disability Determination reviews thousands of claims for Pennsylvania disability benefits every year. In many cases, initial claims are rejected, so you may need the help of an attorney to appeal a rejection for Pennyslvania disability benefits. Pennsylvania disability benefits may be obtained through Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. The former only exists for those who have worked enough time in their adult lives, while the latter is available to the disabled regardless of whether they have ever earned money working.

Private Pennsylvania Disability Insurance

Because it is easy to fall through the cracks in the Pennsylvania disability system, many people who live and work in the state prefer to rely on private disability insurers. Because these insurers underwrite policies with very specific terms, it is important to familiarize yourself with the exact content of any agreement you sign with a private disability insurer.

If you have been denied compensation by a private Pennsylvania disability insurer, you may be able to seek damages if the insurer has acted in bad faith. Talking to a Pennsylvania disability attorney can help if you think you may have a case against your insurer.