Your workers’ comp benefits just ran out, but your back still will not let you lift materials, stand for long periods or keep up with your regular job. You wonder how you will pay bills when the injury that forced you away from work has not healed.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may offer financial support when a medical condition prevents you from working. SSDI generally requires a medical condition that prevents substantial work and has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months. You also generally need enough work history to qualify.
How is SSDI different from workers’ comp?
Workers’ comp provides benefits for qualifying work-related injuries and illnesses. SSDI focuses on whether a medical condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity. Social Security considers whether you can perform your past relevant work and, if you cannot, whether you can adjust to other work in the national economy.
Could you have applied before comp ended?
You may apply for SSDI while still receiving workers’ comp. However, receiving workers’ compensation can affect the amount of SSDI you receive. Social Security may reduce disability benefits when workers’ compensation and Social Security disability benefits payable to you and eligible family members exceed 80% of your average current earnings before you became disabled.
The offset becomes especially important when a workers’ comp claim ends in a lump-sum settlement. A qualifying settlement may be prorated into a monthly amount when Social Security calculates the offset.
How do you prove you cannot work?
Medical evidence should do more than identify a diagnosis. It should show how the condition affects your ability to perform specific work activities. Relevant records may include treating physician notes, imaging results, surgical records and medical examinations arranged by SSA.
For example, records may document difficulty standing, walking, lifting, sitting, concentrating or maintaining a regular work schedule. The more clearly the medical records connect the condition to these limitations, the easier it is to show why returning to work may not be possible.
What to know before filing an SSDI claim
Workers’ comp and SSDI use different eligibility requirements. If workers’ comp benefits have ended but a medical condition still prevents work, SSDI may provide another potential source of disability benefits. Reviewing the eligibility requirements and how the two programs interact can help clarify available options.
