Disability Benefits For Union Members

In addition to short term disability insurance policy coverage available to union members and State based Workers Compensation programs, disabled Union members and their family members and dependants are eligible for benefits with the Social Security Disability Insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income program.  The best benefit program to apply for to receive disability benefits would depend on the genesis of the disabling condition.  For example if the disability began while the union member was a member of the military service he or she would first file an application for disability benefits with the Veterans Administration.  If the disabling condition arose due to a job related injury or illness the union member would apply for workers compensation benefits.  If the union member had a long existing medical condition that has worsened and resulted in a disabling impairments that make it impossible to engage in any gainful employment then that union member would apply for benefits with the Social Security Disability Insurance program.

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits and Union Members

When union members submit union records as evidence of wages paid by the employer the information must include the employer’s name, the amount of wages paid, the name and title of the union official providing the information and the local union number, and information as to whether the information was provided by the employer.  If the amounts on the union records reflect union dues rather than employer based wages then the record must include information detailing whether the dues were fixed or whether the wages were actually paid to the union member and any charges not related to the wages that are included in the dues figure.  If the amounts in the union records reflect total wages to be used as evidence for disability benefits they must show whether it was actual wages paid or if the wages were figured by using the prevailing union rate of pay.

Getting Legal Help

If you or a family member is a member of a union and is dealing with a disability that is impairing an ability to engage in gainful employment then it would be helpful to contact a disability lawyer to discuss the circumstances of the disabling medical condition or injury and submitting an application for disability benefits with a disability insurance provider or the Social Security administration.  An attorney can provide experienced guidance on the options for disability benefits that may be open to union members that are struggling with disabling medical conditions.