State Disability Benefits

• State disability laws cover injuries or illnesses that are not job related. In general, there is no age limit for state disability laws to apply; however, the coverage is limited in amount and duration. There are wage requirements that you must meet, and most state disability coverage also has limitation of benefits, such as the length of time you receive benefits or the circumstances under which the illness or injury occurred.
  
  

Social Security Disability Insurance for Adults

• Federal disability payments are handled by the Social Security Administration. Two different disability programs are in place: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI pays benefits to an adult and certain members of his family if he is "insured," meaning that he has paid into the Social Security tax fund as a worker. Social Security Disability Insurance pays only for total disability, not for partial or short-term disability. According to the Social Security Administration, "disability" is based on the applicant's inability to work.
  
  

Social Security Disability Insurance for Children

• There are two circumstances in which a child under 18 years of age may receive SSDI benefits. The first is if one of her parents is disabled and receiving SSDI; then the child will automatically receive benefits until she is 18 years of age. The second is when a child receives disability benefits on his own accord. A child under 18 years of age is considered disabled if he has a medical or mental impairment that causes marked and severe functional limitations. When the child reaches adulthood he will have to re-apply for SSDI.
  
  

Supplemental Security Income

• The federal Supplemental Security Income program, SSI, pays benefits solely on financial need, regardless of whether or not the applicant has paid into the Social Security system. Unlike SSDI, benefits are available for temporary or short-term disability. There is no age limitation for SSI benefits; low-income children and adults can both be eligible.
  
  

Private-Paid Disability Insurance

• There is no age requirement for private disability insurance, only payment of the premium for the short-term and/or long-term disability policy. If the premiums are kept current, private disability insurance pays for all or part of an employee's pay if he cannot work due to a disability. Short-term private disability insurance covers an employee if he is temporarily disabled, and will pay him a portion of his salary.
  
  

How the Different Types of Disability Insurance Work Together

• Duplication of benefits among private insurance, state and federal disability insurance is generally prohibited. Typically, disability insurers only allow one "bite" at the apple. Double-dipping is not only frowned upon but may also violate some state or federal law. Ask a licensed attorney for clarification.