Does Private Disability Insurance Affect Your Right to Social Security Disability?

When workers suffer disability due to injury, illness, or medical conditions, their lives and their families can be turned upside down.  Without even mentioning the personal and psychological turmoil, workers and their loved ones face the threat of lost wages, medical and care expenses, and serious questions about how they will finance their care and their future.

Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA’s experienced team of Social Security disability attorneys understands these concerns.  That is why Lowe Scott Fisher works with clients to identify all potential sources of compensation and assistance, from personal injury claims to workers’ compensation to insurance and Social Security disability.

One question that can arise in the context of disabilities is whether Social Security disability benefits may be affected by other types of compensation or financial assistance.  Specifically, if you are like more than one third of all workers, does your private disability insurance affect your right to receive Social Security disability?

What is Private Disability Insurance?

Private disability insurance is an insurance policy purchased from a private insurer that pays a scheduled amount for the insured in the event of disability.  Private disability insurance is typically purchased by, or through, employers for, or by, employees.  Individuals sometimes purchase disability insurance separate from their employer’s offerings, as well.

Because private policies are not uniform, the exact terms of the coverage vary from policy to policy.  However, private disability policies tend to offer broader definitions of what qualifies as disabled, availability of higher policy payments for disabled insureds, and elimination of Social Security disability’s work credit requrirements.

Does Having Private Disability Insurance Prevent You from Receiving Social Security Disability?

No.

Social Security disability benefits have many eligibility requirements, including proving the existence of a total disability and establishing that the disabled applicant has enough sufficient (and recent) work credits to qualify.  However, these are not income or needs based criteria.  As long as an individual meets the eligibility requirements, he or she is entitled to receive Social Security disability benefits regardless of other sources of compensation or assistance due as the result of a disability.

One note, however: some private disability policies may entitle the insurer to lower policy payments to the disabled insured if the insured is awarded Social Security disability.  This depends on the specific policy.  If you have questions regarding your insurer’s obligation, you should contact an attorney.

Social Security Disability and Other Compensation

Because Social Security disability is not limited by other forms of compensation or financial assistance, it is often wise for an injured party to seek available compensation from other sources.  In fact, one of the primary reasons to contact an attorney if you are rendered disabled is to ensure that you pursue all options.

At Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA, an in-house team of Ohio’s leading injury, Social Security disability, and workers’ compensation attorneys work together with each other and with you to ensure that you receive the most in your time of need.

Ohio Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyers are Available Now

If you or a loved one are considering filing a Social Security disability application, you need experienced counsel to protect your rights.  Call or email today and find out how we can fight for you.