Does the Federal or State Government Pay Disability Benefits?

 If you are interested in applying for disability benefits, it is helpful to know how different disability benefits programs work. A Los Angeles disability benefits attorney can provide you with insight and advice on how you can obtain benefits to support you if you are too disabled to work. 

For many people, applying for benefits through the Social Security Administration can be the best approach to receiving monthly income when a disability prevents you from having a job. You pay taxes and fund these benefits, so you deserve to receive them if you are not able to earn a living. 

​Who Funds Disability Benefits?

​If you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the funding comes from the federal government. The specific source of funding varies depending upon whether you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

SSDI benefits are funded through a specific Social Security tax deduction from your paycheck. Money from the Social Security taxes you pay goes into a dedicated trust fund that is used to pay out disability benefits.  SSI benefits, on the other hand, are funded through general federal revenue which is money you pay in taxes to the IRS. 

Because SSDI benefits have a different funding stream, the rules for qualifying for these benefits work differently. They are considered earned benefits and you become eligible for them only after you have earned a set number of work credits by earning enough money over the course of the year that you are taxed on. 

Some states also have their own disability programs, including California where residents are able to obtain short-term disability benefits. 

A Los Angeles disability benefits attorney can provide help understanding all of your options for taking advantage of programs that provide benefits when you are too disabled to work. Call an attorney today to learn more.