Being unable to work is more than just an inconvenience -- it can be a tragedy. You need to work to earn money to live. Fortunately, in the United States, you have a couple of options to support yourself while you cannot work. Whether you have a physical disability or can't find a job, you may have insurance covering you if unable to work.
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance exists for people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Employers pay for this program through taxes levied on wages. After you lose a job, you must file a claim with your state employment office for benefits. If your employer does not oppose the claim, you will receive a percentage of your former wage up to a maximum benefit limit. Jointly administered by state and federal government, unemployment programs differ from state to state.
Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation is another kind of unable to work insurance. Laws on this vary from state to state, too. Many states require employers to carry some kind of insurance against employee job-related illness and injury. This can be in the form of insurance from a private provider or a state pool. Employers further have the option some states to provide evidence that they are solvent to pay out insurance claims for workplace injury and illness.
Benefits
Unemployment insurance comes in the form of cash benefits. Workers' compensation is also a cash benefit, but with a variety of types. For example, you may receive compensation for medical bills in addition to lost wages. Your employer's insurance could also cover needs like physical rehabilitation and retraining if you cannot return to your previous position. In the event that you die from a workplace-related illness or injury, your surviving family members may also receive a cash benefit.
Appeals
If turned down for either unemployment or workers' compensation insurance, you have the right to appeal. Because of varying state laws, the time frame for filing an appeal can vary from one state to another. Regardless of where you live, it is helpful to have as much evidence supporting your claim as possible. This can include attendance records, incident reports and employee evaluations.
Disability
Some workers purchase insurance to protect themselves against disability. This covers injuries that take place off the job, so it is different from workers' compensation insurance. Disability insurance comes in two main types -- short-term and long-term. These are largely self-explanatory, with short-term disability applying to injuries and illness with an end in sight, and long-term disability being a more indefinite type of policy. You might be able to buy these plans through your employer as part of your benefits package.
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