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For work-related injury, SSDI benefits may be lifeline

On Behalf of | Aug 31, 2016 | Long-Term Disability, Social Security Disability

Georgia residents work hard to provide for themselves and their families. It can take many weeks, months or even years to establish a successful career in one’s given field, but all of this hard work can be compromised when an individual suffers a work-related injury that leaves the person unable to work.

In these trying times, the options can appear bleak at first, particularly for the many who do not have a long-term disability policy of insurance that will cover the person’s inability to work. Even for someone who has a long-term disability policy, there are many exclusions that might prevent the person from actually receiving payment if the specific injury is not deemed to be covered.

Fortunately, other options may be available to provide financial assistance after the person is unable to earn an income. These other options include workers’ compensation and SSDI benefits for injuries, among others.

In some situations, a person may actually receive both workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability benefits. For instance, a person who is considered disabled by the Social Security Administration, and who is expected to be disabled for at least a year and a day, may be able to receive both SSDI benefits and workers’ compensation benefits at the same time.

Sometimes, workers’ compensation plans require a person to apply for SSDI benefits when a claim is filed. In these circumstances, the person may request a credit if the SSDI benefits are approved. Accordingly, it can be tricky to navigate both systems at the same time, so individuals who are injured should understand the eligibility requirements and the process for obtaining the differing benefits, as well as the requirements they must follow once they receive those benefits.

Source: New Jersey 101.5, “Qualifying for disability benefits,” Karin Price Mueller, Aug. 26, 2016

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