Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation: How Do They Relate?
Can you file for Social Security Disability and workers compensation at the same time?
If you’ve suffered a serious injury while on the job, you may wonder if you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits while collecting workers’ compensation benefits.
The short answer is yes. However, applying for these benefits at the same time may not be in your best interest.
Understanding the Types of Benefits Available
Workers’ comp is an insurance policy that covers workers who are injured on the job. The policy covers all medical expenses related to the injury and pays a portion of the weekly wages of the worker.
SSDI is a federal program that serves people who are unable to work due to a disability. It provides income on a monthly basis. This program is for workers’ who are unable to work and medically verified as disabled. The Social Security Administration runs it and has very specific guidelines to qualify.
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for one program and not the other. You could also qualify for both programs. Every case is different.
One thing to keep in mind: the SSA has rules about how much income you can receive while on disability. So if you qualify for both programs, your income can’t be more than 80 percent of your previous wages.
If you make more than that, the SSA will lower your disability payments to fit within that amount.
This is why it may be in your best interest to file for each of these benefits separately: first, for workers’ comp. Then, SSDI.
Speak to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
These benefits can be really complicated. If you want to file for Social Security Disability and workers’ compensation at the same time, you should speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer who also works on disability claims.
Our attorneys will review all the facts and advise you on the best steps to get compensation for your injuries. Every case is as unique as you are, and it is important to work with an attorney who knows every angle.
We have helped hundreds of people get workers’ compensation and disability benefits. We can tell you what to expect, how to apply, and help with your appeal. And we don’t get paid unless you do.
Contact a workers compensation lawyer for more information or to discuss your potential case.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt.