Many Georgia residents work hard to make a living for themselves and their families. Given this hard work, it can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening when a person suffers a setback that impacts their ability to provide a living. However, options may be available when the individual has an inability to work and earn a living.
Last week, this blog discussed the differences that exist between Social Security Disability Insurance and workers’ compensation. Both programs may come into play under certain circumstances, such as when a person suffers a work accident that leaves him or her unable to work.
Often times, when a person utilizes workers’ compensation or files SSDI claims, the individual has a strong desire to return to work if and when they are able to. This may go against one common stereotype, which holds that those on benefits lack a desire to return to work.
This stereotype was shot down in a recent survey, which showed that two-thirds of those who had disabilities were striving to work. A number of these individuals were currently working, while others were looking for work or had worked since the onset of their disability.
Ultimately, there are a number of overlapping factors when it comes to receiving benefits and returning to work. A person’s eligibility for benefits may depend upon his or her ability to work. At the same time, the desire to return to work is separate in many respects from receiving benefits, which must be done in order to meet one’s financial obligations when it is not possible to earn a paycheck.
Source: WALB, “Survey: Most Americans with disabilities ‘striving to work’,” Holly Ramer, June 2, 2015
