subject: Don't Let Disability Ruin Your Life [print this page] Don't Let Disability Ruin Your Life Don't Let Disability Ruin Your Life
It is inevitable that the older we get, the more problems we are going to have with our health and physical well-being. Our bones become more brittle, we are put at a higher risk for certain cancers, our hearts tend to become weaker and we move a lot slower in general. If you are not retired yet and still maintain full-time employment, you must be aware that any one of these things can put you at risk for disability. If you happen to get hurt, go in for a procedure or experience a life threatening problem, it will force you to not be able to work. So, that being said, what benefits are people entitled to if they are on disability?
If you become disabled and cannot work anymore, don't fret about your income. Social security disability insurance is specifically designed to provide a steady income to those who are disabled and cannot work any longer. To be qualified for this disability insurance, one's condition must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. Although some people do experience many physical problems, your condition must be severe so that people do not take advantage of this insurance. There are some programs that give a certain amount of money to people with partial disability or short-term disability; however, social security does not.
Not only can you receive money from your disability, but certain family members can as well. Some instances where family members may qualify to get money from your disability is if your spouse is 62 years of age or older; your spouse, no matter what age they are, if they are taking care of your child who must be 16 years of age or younger; your child who must be 18 or younger and is not married (this can include a step child and grandchild) and your unmarried child, 18 years or older, who has been disabled before the age of 22. All of these and more are circumstance that would allow family members to also reap the benefits you are getting from disability.
Speaking to a social security attorney would also help drastically in finding out what you are qualified for. No one wants to think about being disabled and having to go through this process; however, it is a situation that could very well happen, especially as you get older. Be as prepared as you can be and don't hesitate to ask questions about this type of unfortunate circumstance.
