About State Disability Benefits

States provide many options for people who may not be able to work, and each program has different rules and varies from state to state. The most popular programs include workers' compensation, Social Security, unemployment and state disability with these programs, which anyone can apply for if they meet the requirements.

Short Term Disability

People who become disabled for a short period can receive short-term disability. They can receive this benefit because they most likely will return to work after the healing process, while people diagnosed with permanent disability have to go through the Social Security Administration.

Workers' Compensation

States offer disability insurance if someone sustains an injury or becomes disabled due to non-work activities. If the injury occurs due to work activities, the worker has to file a workers' compensation claim in order to receive any funds.

Payment

State disability programs pay partial wages until the employee is able to return to work. They will not pay full-time wages or salary.

State Disability and Unemployment

Most states do not require employment for disability benefits, but they do not allow anyone who receives unemployment to receive state disability at the same time.

State Funding

State funding varies with each state, often in disability fund employer contribution requirements. Therefore, it is a good idea to apply for benefits first through the Social Security office, and proceed from there. 

Application

Most states' disability program is under your state's government office and most states have online access, so you can apply for benefits online. Their websites also have a plethora of information on benefits and requirements, so take some time and educate yourself on the requirements for the program. You can also find a phone number to call if you should have any questions on benefits.