Becoming disabled means you are unable to perform your normal work activities and, therefore, are unable to retain gainful employment until you recover or are retrained to perform a new type of job. For those who work on commission, certain exclusions apply, depending on state disability laws, regarding payments coming from your employer's plan. Every state has a different computation system as well. Aside from employer benefits, you may also need to get information on your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits as well.
Worker's Compensation Insurance
- Call your employer's human resources department or your state worker's compensation board. Confirm that you are eligible for disability through the company worker's compensation insurance. Some states disqualify certain employees such as business owners or commissioned employees such as car salesman.
- Ask what percentage of your average salary you will receive if you do qualify. For example, Hawaii uses 58 percent of average weekly wages, while Michigan uses 66.66 percent. Inquire about maximum weekly benefit amounts.
- Obtain the average weekly benefit of earnings as directed by state law. Determine the disability rate. For example, earning an average of $1,000 weekly in Hawaii at 58 percent is $580. State law may only allow a maximum benefit of $510 per week, dropping your benefit further.
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