Every year, thousands of working Americans suffer serious personal injuries as a result of an unexpected workplace accident. Workers are also at risk for an occupational disease, that occur after years of exposure to workplace hazards, including radiation, mold, pesticides, gases, and chemicals. Workplace-related injuries and illnesses may prevent workers from working. Without a source of income, many sick and injured workers end up struggling financially, as well as physically and emotionally.
Fortunately, a worker that suffers an on-the-job injury or illness may receive financial support through various government agencies. Workers can be awarded workers’ compensation benefits through the federal or state workers’ compensation systems, or through their employer’s insurer.
If your injury or illness is not job-related, you may qualify for other public disability benefits. Some public benefits, including Veterans Administration benefits, will not affect your SSD benefits.
Workers receiving public benefits from other agencies may still be eligible for benefits through the Social Security Disability program. However, workers’ compensation and other benefits may affect the amount of SSD benefits you receive. To determine how your SSD benefits will be affected, add up the total amount of benefits you receive each month, including SSD benefits (including benefits paid to your family), workers’ compensation, and other public disability benefits. If the total is more than 80 percent of the average amount you earned before your disability, the extra amount will be taken out of your SSD benefits.
If you are receiving workers’ compensation or other public benefits, you may still qualify for SSD benefits. A Georgia attorney specializing in disability benefits can assist with the application process and help you recover all the benefits you qualify for.
