Disability Insurance Forum

I became disabled in August 2009. I applied for SSDI in March 2010 (when state disability stopped at 6 months). I was initially denied and also on appeal. In June 2010 I filed for NJ Unemployment benefits. I had no choice because I had no income. Everything was late...rent, utilities, etc. I applied for and received food stamps. I was approved for unemployment at which time I stopped getting food stamps because I made too much. Go figure since I had so much catching up to do my benefit payment wasn't covering everything.

I ripped my rotator cuff in the line of work and the doctor says that I wouldn’t be able to work for at least 6 to 9 weeks. I pay for workman’s compensation but since I have never used it, am I eligible to use it for the coming 6 or so weeks? Will my rates go up if I do? Can I file for SSDI for a short period of time?

I ripped my rotator cuff in the line of work and the doctor says that I wouldn’t be able to work for at least 6 to 9 weeks. I pay for workman’s compensation but since I have never used it, am I eligible to use it for the coming 6 or so weeks? Will my rates go up if I do? Can I file for SSDI for a short period of time?

My wife and I, though both successful professionals, are in quite a financial bind.

There is no difference beetween working full time and parttime for getting money for unemployment. You will receive this money money from your local working agency. In special cases (when you cannot continue in your old job or you cannot work generally caused by chronic illness or an accident) you will get a special pension payment like a real pension to cover your lifilihood and all your expenses.

Max, it is just funny that you wrote a 3 page essay when the question called for 4 word answer. "They are the same."

How can I find out how good is a company in a claim situation?
I would rather pay a higher premium if it means getting an insurance company that is more likely to pay if I'm unfortunate to become disabled.
I don't want to pay for an expensive policy and then have to fight with the insurance company to get the benefits if I really need it.

Can any expert please let me know about how to find out about the sincerity and credibility of an insurance company. I am considering own occupation disability insurance. Please advice. Thanks

I have a DI policy that I purchased as a resident. I currently have 5K worth of monthly benefits. I now have the ability to exercise future increase options up to about 15k per month. I don't think I need the maximum coverage, since I have some savings, few financial obligations at this point, like kids or house.
But in the future, I do expect to have kids and a house. Do you think it is prudent to exercise an increase now and look in rates for my age? or should I wait until a later point and thus pay the higher premiums later? Please share your expert opinion.

Hi,

Hope an insurance expert would throw some light on what exactly does Occupation Class mean?
Are there any resource where I can consult what occupation fall under which class? I would just like to make sure that my agent has me on the right class. Thanks in advance!

If a person is determined to be uninsurable for DI, how difficult is it to get them insured through a "risk" pool or high risk company and does this uninsurable status through the main stream companies in any way restrict the benefits they can receive with a high risk/uninsurable status with a company that do insure high risk pools? Please advice.