Disability insurance provides coverage should you be unable to work as the result of a disability.

There are several different types of disability insurance:

-- National programs: In the United States, this refers to Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. These programs are available to everyone who is underinsured or uninsured. 
-- Disability insurance through an employer: This covers injury on the job, and is called worker’s compensation. The employer may also offer employees the option to enroll in short term or long term disability policies. These cover any illness or injury which renders an employee unable to work. These plans are open market plans with a group discount, and the coverage is usually quite basic. 
-- Veteran’s Benefits: These include a workers’ compensation type of insurance, but Veteran’s Benefits also include medical insurance, mortgage insurance, and life insurance. 
-- Individual Policies: Self employed people and people who are not employed may purchase these policies on the open market.

The following variables are considered when determining whether an individual is covered under disability insurance, and how the coverage will be paid:

-- Was the disability unexpected and not related to a previous chronic illness?
-- Did the disability happen on the job?
-- Are there other insurance policies that may pay claims in this case?
-- How much will the individual receive on a regular basis and for how long?
-- Is the individual totally or partially disabled?

For Additional Information see:
-- Insurance Information Institute’s Web site on Disability Insurance: http://www.iii.org/individuals/disability/ 
-- ProtectYourIncome.com 
-- Social Security Web site on Disability Insurance: http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di-toc.html