How to Determine a Disability Benefit

When injury or illness prevents you from working it may cause stress and financial strain on your family. Disability benefits are available from several different sources to provide financial relief. Applying for disability benefits is often a complicated process that requires assistance. Determine the disability benefits you're eligible to receive.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check with your insurance carrier. Some employers and private insurers may provide coverage for your disability. Ask the Human Resource department about the types of illnesses and injuries are covered.

2. Use the "Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)." By answering some basic questions, BEST can determine eligibility for all benefits administered by the Social Security Administration.

3. Visit "Govbenefits." Use their online questionnaire to determine which sources of disability you might be eligible to receive. Information covering federal, state and local government benefits is available (see Resources below).

4. Determine Veteran Benefits. For military members complete the "Veterans Application for Compensation or Pension" online. Receiving disability benefits as a veteran, often requires an honorable, general or medical discharge from military service.

5. Consider family relationships. Individuals may apply for disability benefits through family relationships. Research the different disability programs to check your eligibility as a spouse, child or other dependent.

6. Contact an attorney. Finding all the disability benefits you qualify for on your own can be difficult. A lawyer can assist in filing disability claims, overcoming obstacles and preventing denials due to common errors.

Resources

• Determine Benefits from the Social Security Administration.
• Find disability benefits for state, local and federal sources.
• Apply for Veterans disability compensation.

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