Introduction to disability income insurance and Social Security disability benefits If case of a serious injury or illness, you will be probably be responsible for paying some of your medical expenses even if you have health insurance. If you are employed, this financial strain could be aggravated by your loss of income while you are out of work during recovery. If your disability extends for a lengthy time or is permanent, the financial effects could be devastating. Disability income insurance is designed to pay you while you are disabled. The four major sources of funding for these payments are: Your employer's disability insurance plan Your private disability insurance plan Social Security disability benefits Other government programs' disability benefits As you answer the following questions about Social Security disability benefits, think about your life today and how you would respond if you faced an extended period of disability. Eileen recently sustained an injury that is unrelated to her work. She expects to be disabled for some time and has contacted the Social Security Administration to file a claim for disability benefits. Eileen has always heard about Social Security disability and looks forward to the relief it will deliver. She was shocked to learn the terms of qualifying for benefits: First, she must be _______ disabled. Second, her disability must be anticipated to be at least _________. Third, she must be unable to _______________. Fourth, if she satisfies the preceding requirements, her benefit is $2, 500 per month, but she must wait ____________ for payments to begin. The monthly payments _________ retroactive. Eileen expects to be disabled for 5 months. Her benefits will be for _______ months for a total of $, Eileen ________ receive benefits because she __________ be disabled long enough to qualify for them