Primary Sources of Disability Income Benefits • Social Security • Workers Compensation • Group Plans
There are a number of sources of disability income benefits; they include both governmental and non-governmental sources. The principal governmental source of disability benefits for those unable to engage in any gainful activity is Social Security. Although providing a safety net for the profoundly disabled, Social Security’s stringent definition of disability results in a claims rejection rate of more than 60%. All states offer Workers Compensation programs, and seven jurisdictions provide non-occupational disability benefits.
Many disability benefits are employer-related. They may be provided under true group programs or may be association plans, franchise plans, or sick-pay plans.