If you are injured and unable to work in Georgia, you may wonder if you can receive both Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and Workers’ Compensation benefits at the same time. The good news is that it is possible to obtain both, but there are essential details you need to know.
Understanding each benefit
First, let’s understand what each benefit is:
- Social Security Disability: The federal government’s Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to people who cannot work due to a long-term disability. To qualify, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and will last at least one year or result in death.
- Workers’ Compensation: While the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation regulates the services provided by healthcare providers to injured workers, your employer’s insurance provides benefits for work-related injuries. These benefits cover medical expenses and two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to a maximum of $725 per week).
While there are exceptions, such as if the injured was on drugs or alcohol, the injured or ill can be at least partially at fault and still get benefits.
Receiving both benefits
In Georgia, you can receive both SSD and Workers’ Compensation benefits. However, there is a limit on the total amount you can receive from both programs. This is known as the “offset rule.”
The offset rule means that the combined total of your SSD and Workers’ Compensation benefits cannot be more than 80% of your average current earnings before you became disabled. If the combined benefits exceed this limit, your SSD benefits may be reduced.
For example, if your average monthly earnings before your injury were $3,000, the total you can receive from both benefits combined cannot exceed $2,400 (which is 80% of $3,000). If your Workers’ Compensation benefits are high enough to push your total benefits over this limit, your SSD benefits will be adjusted to keep the total at or below 80%.
Important considerations to remember
It’s vital to report your Workers’ Compensation benefits to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to avoid overpayments, which you would need to repay later. Remember that different types of Workers’ Compensation benefits, like lump-sum settlements, may affect how the SSA calculates your SSD benefits.
Understanding how they work helps avoid repayment
Knowing how SSD and workers’ comp work can help you maximize your benefits while you recover and focus on your health. Still, it’s also crucial to communicate with the SSA and your Workers’ Compensation provider to ensure you are receiving the correct amount and avoid any repayment issues. Those who still have questions can get the help you need.
