Introduction to disability income insurance and Social Security disability benefits If case of a serious injury or illness, you will be probably be responsible for paying some of your medical expenses even if you have health insurance. If you are employed, this financial strain could be aggravated by your loss of income while you are out of work during recovery. If your disability extends for a lengthy time or is permanent, the financial effects could be devastating. Disability income insurance is designed to pay you while you are disabled. The four major sources of funding for these payments are: Your employer's disability insurance plan Your private disability insurance plan Social Security disability benefits Other government programs' disability benefits As you answer the following questions about Social Security disability benefits, think about your life today and how you would respond if you faced an extended period of disability. Social Security Disability Benefits Carl recently sustained an injury that is unrelated to his work. He expects to be disabled for some time and has contacted the Social Security Administration to file a claim for disability benefits. Carl has always heard about social Security disability and looks forward to the relief it will deliver. He was shocked to learn the terms of qualifying for benefits: First, he must be disabled. Second, his disability must be anticipated to be at least . Third, he must be unable to Fourth, if he satisfies the preceding requirements, his benefit is $2,000 per month, but he must wait for payments to begin. The monthly payments retroactive. Carl expects to be disabled for 14 months. His benefits will be for months for a total of $ . Carl receive benefits because he be disabled long enough to qualify for them.