The Difference Between Social Security Disability Benefits & Workers' Compensation
Social security is a government-funded program for disabled workers, and it doesn’t cost anything to be eligible to receive it, but you do need to have a certain amount of time spent working in order to be eligible. SSDI is what we call an “entitlement” program, which means you pay into it as a tax while you are working and it’s there if you need to use it. You also receive it for as long as you’re disabled, but it will be converted at retirement age to Social Security retirement.
Understanding Social Security Offsets While On Workers' Compensation
With a serious work injury that prevents you from working for more than 1 year, you may be eligible for both workers compensation benefits and social security disability. Workers who have a permanent injury that will prevent them from working for many years are often awarded social security disability as well.
In order to receive workers' compensation benefits, you have to prove your work injury prevents you from working. Social security looks at the whole person - all of the person's medical conditions or injuries.
There is an offset, however. That means that social security benefits will be reduced to take into account the workers compensation benefits you are getting after an on the job injury. Currently, the Social Security Administration uses a formula to determine the offset, or reduction, in the amount they pay.
It's important to know that the workers comp benefits are not reduced. Also, once the workers compensation case settles, you have the ability to reduce the amount of the social security offset, so your social security benefits should go up.
Also, a lot of our clients tell us they applied for social security, got denied and had to appeal. It seems most people are awarded social security after an appeal and hearing.
Speak To An Experienced Injury And Disability Lawyer Today
This is a complicated process and it can be very easy to make mistakes without the right information. Our clients work with one of the most experienced D.C. worker’s compensation and trial attorneys in the DMV, who literally wrote the book on D.C. Worker’s Compensation. Avoid costly mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars every week by calling us today at 202-393-3320.
Related Links: |