What is the definition of "disability" as used by the Social Security Administration?
What are social security benefits and who is entitled to them?
How do I apply for social security benefits?
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
What is the difference between COBRA & OBRA?
What is the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)?
What is long term disability (LTD) coverage and how does one obtain it?

What is the definition of "disability" as used by the Social Security Administration?

According to the Social Security Act, "disability" means the "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months."

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What are social security benefits and who is entitled to them?

There are at least five types of social security disability benefits. They are:

• Disability Insurance Benefits.
• Disabled Widow's & Widower's Benefits.
• Disabled Adult Child Benefits.
• Supplemental Security Income Benefits.
• Supplemental Security Income Disability Benefits.

For more information regarding these benefits and what they are, go to the U.S. Social Security Administration website at: www.socialsecurity.gov.

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How do I apply for social security benefits?

You can apply for social security benefits online. The online application is available at: www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You may also apply in person at your closest social security office.

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What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

See Guide to Financial Benefits: Medicare

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What is the difference between COBRA & OBRA?

COBRA is a federal law that requires employers of 20 or more employees to provide employees and their dependents the right to continued health insurance benefits when there is a change in employment that affects the employee's eligibility for employer health coverage.

OBRA is a federal law that allows an employee to continue health insurance benefits after COBRA coverage has run out. In order to qualify for coverage under OBRA you must have a disability as approved by the Social Security Administration.

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What is the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)?

There are two parts to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. One part protects health insurance coverage for employees and their families when they change or lose their job. These protections include:

• Prohibiting discrimination against employees and their dependents based on health status.
• Allowing enrollment in a new plan to individuals with unique circumstances.
• Limiting exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

The second part of the law deals with administration simplification. The law calls for a national standard for electronic health care transactions.

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What is long term disability (LTD) coverage and how does one obtain it?

Long term disability coverage is insurance that provides financial protection should you become disabled. It is wage replacement for individuals who experience wage loss because of a disability. Coverage under this insurance lasts for at least one year.

Long term disability coverage can be obtained through an individual or group insurance policy.

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