Am I allowed to receive Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability benefits at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to get workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits at the same time. However, the combined income you get from both workers’ compensation and social security should not exceed 80 percent of your wages. Your SSD benefits will be adjusted to ensure that your total benefits do not exceed this limit. When workers’ compensation benefits run out you should immediately inform Social Security so that they can re-adjust your SSD benefits.
The difference between workers’ compensation and social security disability benefits:
Workers’ compensation is a state-run program, whereas Social Security is a federal program. Both programs have different criteria for eligibility.
Workers’ compensation is designed to provide temporary income for workers who get hurt on the job. It usually kicks in immediately after a disability has been established. Whereas Social Security Disability benefits begin 5 months after the onset of a disability. The initial process for approval of claims can take 3 to 5 months and an appeal may take longer than a year. During this interim period, workers’ compensation can be the quickest and most convenient means of income.
Contact a top-rated attorney to know how and when to apply for SSD benefits while receiving workers’ compensation. Because calculating offsets differs from state to state and can be a very complicated process, a knowledgeable advocate can help you maximize the benefits you receive from SSD.
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