How to File for Temporary Disability Benefits

Temporary disability benefits can be a saving grace if you've recently been injured or are currently struggling with an unfortunate health situation that prevents you from working. While there are limitations to these benefits, they generally provide you with enough help to make it through a financially difficult time. Take a moment to look over the information below to further acquaint yourself with the process of filing for the benefits that you need.

Instructions

1. Contact the human resources department in your state and set up an appointment with a social services case worker. You can schedule this appointment by calling the main telephone number for the human services department and asking to speak to someone who handles the case worker appointments. Most case workers are generally very busy and their schedules are booked far in advance, so don't be surprised if you have to wait three to four weeks before getting an appointment.

2. Attend your appointment and determine your eligibility. By meeting with a case worker you'll be able to evaluate the status of your eligibility and ask any important questions that you might have. Make sure to bring any necessary financial information or details as well as a signed letter from your doctor describing your disability and how it interferes with your ability to work.

3. Fill out all of the necessary forms and paperwork. If you and your case worker determine that you are eligible you will still need to submit a formal application. In most situations your case worker will provide you with all of the necessary forms as well as instructions on how to complete them.

4. File your application with the state and wait for a response. Once you've finished all of your paperwork you'll need to file it with the state and wait to hear back. Depending upon the specific rules and case load in your state you may be waiting for a period of several weeks before you actually get a response. If you are accepted you'll generally be notified by mail, and will need to schedule a follow up appointment with your case worker.

5. Meet with your case worker again to go over the process of receiving your benefits and review the rules that you must abide by. At this point he or she will explain how and when you will receive your benefits and give you further instructions on how to continue the process, as well as how to terminate it once you are well enough to work again.