Disability doesn't just refer to permanent conditions - it covers those that leave you confined to a wheelchair or unable to perform your normal activities for some period of time. Over their lifetimes, about 70% of adults of working age will suffer a disability that will last three months or longer - some not too serious, but some might be life-changing. More males than females are struck with a disability and generally, the older one gets, the more prone he is to suffer from a disability.

Regardless of your level of disability, it's critical that you draw up a new household budget. Basic budgeting skills can help you track your income and expenses. Use the tips below to get a complete picture of your current financial situation. Then, make any appropriate changes. Be honest. Include all of your current expenses, and then find effective ways to cut back on non-essential items until your finances improve.

Maintaining control
The following are things to keep in mind as you deal with your financial situation.

• Family resources: Savings, investment interest, dividends or a spouse's paycheck can cover some of your monthly bills.
  
  
• Sick pay: Most employees enjoy sickness benefits provided by PhilHealth. Regardless of age, members and their dependents are entitled to inpatient and outpatient benefits. Coverage includes room and board, the services of health care professionals, diagnostic, laboratory and other medical exams, as well as payment for prescription drugs and biologicals and the professional fees of physicians. Benefits vary depending on the type of hospital you went to (primary, secondary or tertiary hospitals, with the largest benefits going to those in tertiary hospitals) as well as on the type of procedure you need (ordinary, intensive or catastrophic). Coverage is up to 45 days of confinement for primary members and up to 45 days combined for individual dependents.

  Most of the time, however, these benefits may not be enough to cover your total costs. A health insurance, which you have to purchase before you get sick, could cover your balance. However, a lot of health plans have exclusions on certain diseases and procedures. Some are specific to certain hospitals. Make sure you fully understand the terms of your health plan before you purchase it.

  Depending upon your employer, you may continue to receive your wages for a limited period. Beyond this, you may turn to the SSS or the GSIS for sickness benefits. These are usually given in the form of daily cash allowances to those who have used up all their current sick leaves. However, it is important for you to notify the service and your employer about this within 5 days of getting sick. Even if you have informed your employers about your condition, make sure that they, in turn, notify the SSS/GSIS. Otherwise, you may not be able to receive the benefits in full.
  

• Disability insurance: Many employers offer some coverage. Both the SSS and the GSIS provide disability benefits, the amount of which differs on the extent of your disability - if it is temporary or permanent. These amounts may be given in lump sum or in the form of monthly pensions, depending on the number of contributions you have made in the semester before.

  In addition, the GSIS gives other benefits on top of its basic monthly payment, such as the carer's allowance.

  If your employer doesn't provide disability benefits - or to supplement what your company, through the SSS and GSIS, provide - look into a private policy. You can replace up to 80% of your lost wages with disability insurance. Remember, insurance must be purchased prior to your disability.

• Workers' Compensation: You may be eligible if your illness or injury is job-related.
  
  
• Social security: For details, call the Social Security Administration at (632) 920-6401 or the Government Service Insurance System at (632) 891-6161.