Disability Lawyer in Augusta

If you are suffering from a disabling condition, a disability lawyer in Augusta may be able to provide you with the representation you need. Disability insurance is typically offered as part of an employment benefits package. Some companies opt out of short-term benefits packages, but most offer some long-term disability program funded through a disability insurer. According to disability insurance provider Unum, three out of 10 workers between ages 25 and 65 will experience some illness or injury that keeps them from working for three or more months. Nearly 60 percent of these injuries occur off the job. If you are injured off the job, worker’s compensation will not cover the costs of your care or any other damages. When you are unable to work for a long period of time, long-term disability insurance can cover a portion of your salary. This type of insurance typically becomes active after short-term disability insurance runs out.

Long-Term Disability Liability

In general, it is the disability insurer that is liable for long-term coverage. Many companies once paid the full amount for long-term disability, but the modern trend has shifted to different options. The most common include a shared cost plan, an employee fully paid plan and an employer fully paid plan.

Coverage Terms

Employers are allowed to choose how much coverage their employees receive with most plans covering between 50 and 70 percent of your monthly salary. The duration of plan benefits varies, but some pay only five to 10 years of disability insurance, while others pay until the age of 65, when retirement benefits are expected to kick in. Depending on your plan rules, you may only qualify for coverage under certain terms. In most cases, you need to work for your employer for a certain amount of time before you are eligible for coverage. You must also work full-time, which is typically 30 or more hours per week. Most long-term plan benefits packages include the payment of a monthly salary that ranges between 50 and 70 percent of your income. These plans typically start between 90 and 180 days. Depending on the terms of your plan, you may be limited in terms of how much coverage you are eligible to receive. You will also have to choose a different career which you are suited for in education or on-the-job training. Highly skilled workers and upper management often have the option of a long-term disability contract that allows them to receive disability benefits for the lifetime of coverage without changing benefits. A disability lawyer in Augusta may be able to provide insight into the details of your plan.