Workers compensation is a system designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Social security is a program that provides benefits to retirees, disabled workers, and their families. So what’s the connection between the two? In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between social security and workers compensation claim benefits. We will also answer some common questions about work comp and a variety of social security programs available.
Can you receive social security benefits combined with workers comp?
The answer is maybe. It depends on the type of social security benefit you are receiving and your workers compensation status. For example, if you are receiving social security disability benefits (SSDI), you may also be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits. However, if you are receiving supplemental security income (SSI), you generally cannot receive workers compensation benefits.
There are three good reasons why this isn’t possible:
- SSI benefits are needs-based. This means that the amount of your SSI benefit is based on your financial need. If you receive workers compensation benefits, this may increase your income and reduce your financial need, making you ineligible for SSI.
- Workers compensation benefits are temporary. They are designed to provide income replacement for a limited period of time while you are unable to work. SSI, on the other hand, is a long-term benefit.
- Workers compensation benefits are paid by your employer (or your employer’s insurance company), while SSI benefits are paid by the federal government. Because of this, the government does not want to double-pay you for the same period of disability.
What about Medicare or Medicaid?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 years of age or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides medical assistance for low-income and needy people. Both programs target different populations and have different eligibility requirements. You can learn more about Medicare and Medicaid by visiting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website.
If you are receiving workers compensation benefits, you generally cannot receive Medicare or Medicaid. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you are receiving workers compensation benefits because of an on-the-job injury, you may be eligible for Medicare coverage for your injury-related medical expenses.
What other social security programs can I receive while getting workers compensation?
There are a few other social security programs that you may be eligible for if you are receiving workers compensation benefits. For example, you may be eligible for survivor benefits if your spouse or parent dies. You may also be eligible for dependents benefits if you have dependent children. Finally, you may be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits when you reach retirement age. Work comp will on the other hand be useful to compensate for lost wages.
As you can see, there is a connection between workers compensation and social security. However, the specifics of that connection vary depending on the type of social security benefit you are receiving and your workers compensation status. If you have any questions about whether you may be eligible for benefits from both programs, we encourage you to contact your local Social Security office or workers compensation office.
Who can help you get the best advice on your social security and work comp questions?
The best place to start is by contacting your local Social Security office or workers compensation office. They will be able to help you determine if you are eligible for benefits from both programs and answer any other questions you may have. You can also find more information from your local board of injury attorneys in Los Angeles.