Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Jefferson Hills

If you’ve been injured on the job in Jefferson Hills, navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation can be overwhelming. At Porta Clark & Ward, our workers’ compensation lawyers are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a workplace accident or a work-related illness, we understand the challenges you face. Let our team fight for your rights—contact us today at (412) 912-2381 for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice you need.

Can You Collect Workers’ Comp and Social Security Disability at the Same Time?

If you’ve been injured at work and are struggling to recover, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to receive both workers’ compensation benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time. The answer isn’t straightforward, but understanding the interaction between these two types of benefits can help you make informed decisions about your situation.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide financial support to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses in the workplace. If you’re injured while on the job in Jefferson Hills or anywhere else, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits typically cover medical expenses related to the injury, partial wage replacement, and sometimes, compensation for long-term or permanent disabilities.

The specific amount you may receive from workers’ compensation depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, your average wage before the injury, and how long you’re expected to be unable to work.

Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI, on the other hand, is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe disability. This program is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and to qualify, you must meet certain criteria. Generally, this includes having a disability that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, as well as a sufficient work history in jobs that paid Social Security taxes.

SSDI benefits are intended to replace a portion of your lost income when you’re unable to perform substantial gainful activity due to a disability. If your injury or illness is severe enough to prevent you from returning to work, you may qualify for SSDI payments.

Can You Collect Workers’ Comp and SSDI Simultaneously?

Now that we understand how both systems work, let’s address the primary question: Can you collect workers’ compensation and SSDI at the same time?

Yes, in some cases, you can receive both workers’ compensation and SSDI benefits simultaneously. However, there are important rules that govern how the two benefits interact.

How Does the Interaction Between Workers’ Comp and SSDI Work?

While it’s possible to collect both, there are restrictions on the total amount of combined benefits you can receive. Specifically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a rule that limits the total amount of disability benefits you can receive from both SSDI and workers’ compensation. The SSA uses a formula to ensure that your combined benefits don’t exceed 80% of your average pre-disability income. This rule is known as the “offset.”

For example, let’s say your average pre-disability income is $3,000 a month, and you’re receiving $2,000 in workers’ compensation benefits. If you qualify for SSDI benefits of $1,500, the SSA will reduce your SSDI benefits to make sure the total amount you receive doesn’t exceed 80% of your previous earnings. In this case, the SSA might lower your SSDI benefit to balance out the total, so you only get $1,000 in SSDI and continue receiving your full $2,000 in workers’ comp benefits.

What Happens if Your Workers’ Comp Benefits Are Reduced?

If your workers’ compensation benefits are substantial enough, your SSDI payments might be reduced, and in some cases, you may end up with little to no SSDI benefits after the offset is applied. It’s also important to note that the workers’ comp offset calculation only applies if you’re receiving permanent or long-term benefits. If your workers’ compensation benefits are temporary, you may not see as significant an offset on your SSDI benefits.

The Impact of a Permanent Disability

If your injury or illness results in a permanent disability, the offset rule can significantly affect the amount of SSDI benefits you receive. The SSA will calculate how much your total income would have been had you not been disabled and adjust the SSDI benefit accordingly. In some cases, the reduction in SSDI benefits might be enough to leave you with a very small amount or none at all, depending on the amount of workers’ comp you’re receiving.

How Workers’ Comp and SSDI Can Affect Your Medical Benefits

When it comes to medical coverage, things are a bit different. Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover the cost of medical treatment directly related to your work injury. SSDI, however, does not cover medical expenses related to your condition. If you’re receiving both workers’ compensation and SSDI, you may continue receiving medical treatment through your workers’ comp insurer for your work injury, while also being covered by Medicare if you qualify for SSDI after two years of disability.

It’s crucial to ensure that you don’t double-dip into both medical benefits. For example, if you receive medical treatment for a work injury through SSDI, it could interfere with your workers’ compensation benefits, so it’s important to avoid any overlap in your medical claims.

Navigating the Workers’ Comp and SSDI Process

When you’re pursuing both workers’ compensation and SSDI benefits, it’s essential to work with professionals who understand how the two systems interact. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of both systems, ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to, and minimize the impact of the offset on your SSDI payments.

If you’re already receiving workers’ compensation and are considering applying for SSDI, or if you’re unsure about your eligibility for either program, a lawyer can help you understand your options. You may also be able to negotiate settlements or explore other avenues to maximize your benefits and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.

Secure Your Future with the Best Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Jefferson Hills

When workplace injuries disrupt your life, you don’t have to face the fight alone. At Porta Clark & Ward, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you get the full compensation you’re entitled to. With our workers’ compensation lawyers by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities. Reach out to us today at (412) 912-2381 for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.