Long-Term Disability vs. Social Security Disability Ohio

As disability lawyers in Cleveland, Ohio, the attorneys with Agee Clymer Mitchell & Portman never find it helpful for our clients to think in terms of “long-term disability versus Social Security disability.” Rather, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one long-term disability program among many. It is true that SSDI offers such benefits to the greatest number of disabled Americans, but it must be stressed that is just a single such option.

We discuss SSDI and the related federal program of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in greater detail elsewhere on our website. The most important thing to know about SSDI and SSI are that the person who applies must have paid into the Social Security program or be the legal dependent of someone who has. Almost as important, qualifying for federal disability benefits and income replacement payments is usually difficult, requiring extensive medical records and reams of paperwork.

A few other essential facts about SSDI and SSI are the following:

• Federal disability benefits are awarded to people with a physical, mental, or emotional problem that leaves them unable to work for a year or more, or which has a high likelihood to prove fatal in the near future.
• SSI payments are based on current income from all other sources, financial investments, and belongings that can be sold for cash.
• People do not need to be disabled to qualify for SSI payments, but many SSDI beneficiaries also receive federal income support.
• A family member, trusted caregiver, or representative of a residential care facility can be designated to receive SSDI benefits and SSI payments for a profoundly disabled person.

Disabled individuals and their families need to look beyond SSDI and SSI if they are Ohio public school employees, individuals who worked at a state university or community college, someone who worked in state, county, or city government. The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, or OPERS, and similar public sector retirement plans take the place of Social Security for these people. Applying to OPERS or a similar retirement system poses unique challenges that a knowledgeable Cleveland social security disability lawyer can help a disabled person overcome.

A third set of options for long-term disability exists for many people through their health insurance and life insurance policies. Each policy is different, and long-term care and income support provisions are often separate coverages people need to add to basic policies or purchase as standalone policies, but personal insurance usually pays out in addition to any federal or retirement plan benefits. Consulting with an experienced disability lawyer will help clarify choices for coverage and provide guidance when invoking long-term care and income replacement provisions.

The disability lawyers in the Cleveland, Ohio, offices of Agee Clymer Mitchell & Portman welcome opportunities to help people explore all their options regarding SSDI, SSI, retirement plan benefits, and long-term care insurance coverage. We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations, and we can come to you if traveling presents too many challenges. To set up an appointment, call (800) 678-3318 or connect with us online.