Question

Explain the concept of disability in the worker’s compensation system, short or long term disability insurance, and social security disability. What are the similarities among the three and what are the important differences among them. Illustrate your answers with examples.

Answer 1

An individual with a disability is defined as a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record of such an impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

In short, a person with disability means they are not able to perform a job due to physical or mental impairment on over a period of time.

Disability insurance is a type of insurance that will provide income in the event a worker is unable to perform their work and earn money due to a disability.

Short term disability insurance policies offer a worker a portion of their salary if they are unable to work for a short period—typically three to six months.

Long term disability insurance offers a worker a portion of their salary if they are unable to work for a longer period—typically a period of over six months.

Social Security pays disability benefits to people who can't work because they have a medical condition that's expected to last at least one year or result in death.

the similarities among the three is that all three provide the compensation or financial help to employee with disability in employment. They are secured by government protection under three concept.

The difference among three is the time and scope of three. Short term has short scope with short period of time while long term have long scope with more time like six months. for social security is more formal, controversial with one year or more.