The insurance that your Pennsylvania employer purchases can provide benefits to you if you suffer injury in the workplace. Such benefits may include money to cover medical bills or replace lost pay if you miss work to recover. In some cases, you might qualify for social security disability benefits. There are intersecting issues with these two programs that you’ll want to be aware of before filing a claim.
SSD insurance is a federal program. It provides extra income to workers with medical conditions. These conditions can limit their ability to work. In certain circumstances, it’s possible for you to collect SSD benefits and workers’ compensation at the same time. Such is the case whether you’re receiving workers’ compensation installments or a lump settlement. Understanding the process of obtaining social security disability benefits can be crucial for many workers.
Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits
There is a Cap on Combined Benefits
While it is often possible to receive SSD benefits and workers’ comp benefits simultaneously, certain regulations may affect the amount of total financial assistance you receive. In most cases, there is an 80% cap on benefits from both programs. Your total benefits may not exceed 80% of your usual income before your disability began.
The usual process is that your SSD benefits may be reduced, if needed, to meet the 80% cap with workers’ comp benefits. In other words, if you receive workers’ comp, it may reduce the SSD benefits you can get.
Full Disclosure of Workers’ Comp Benefits is Required
Some people wrongly think they can get more SSD benefits by not saying they also get workers’ comp benefits. This is a big mistake. You must fully report any workers’ comp you get or have gotten when you apply for SSD benefits.
Some expenses may be left out of the calculation when deciding if SSD benefits will be reduced. This helps meet the 80% cap. However, it is imperative that you report accurate workers’ comp information when filling out an SSD benefits application.
Making Sure You Receive Maximum Benefits
Filing a workers’ comp claim through a Pennsylvania employer or filling out an application for SSD benefits can be a complex and stressful experience. When you have an injury or health condition that keeps you from working, handling workers’ comp or SSD alone can add stress.
It’s helpful to seek additional support before navigating the claims process. Having a personal advocate on your side also comes in handy if one or both of your claims are denied.
