In some workers’ compensation situations, a job-related injury can never be healed, resulting in the inability to return to work in the same job or any job…forever.
If you have become a victim of a work injury that forces permanent disability and you have reached the maximum benefits paid out through Workers’ Compensation, you can apply for the federal Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program. While both programs provide financial assistance to disabled workers, the two differ in very important ways. This article will give a high-level overview of the differences but for more complete information about workers’ comp and Social Security disability insurance, contact the experienced attorneys at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys in Rock Hill at 803-324-7574.
Comparatively speaking, in order to qualify for worker’s compensation, you must have been injured on the job. For SSDI, it must be a medical condition (illness or injury) that prevents you from being gainfully employed in any capacity. Following your hearing and being granted SSDI approval, you could eventually be eligible for Medicare.
Workers’ comp benefits are generally more straightforward than Social Security disability benefits. Employees qualify for workers’ compensation starting the first day on the job. Benefits cover partial, short-term and long-term disability situations. For SSDI, the worker initially applies for benefits and then contacts an attorney once the claim has been denied. If you are considering filing a SSDI claim because you think you might qualify for benefits, ask yourself three important questions:
- Can I no longer do the work that I did before my medical condition?
- Does my condition prevent me from doing other types of work?
- Has or will my condition keep me out of work for a year?
Whether you have been hurt on the job or been denied for Social Security disability insurance and are not receiving any benefits or assistance, contact Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys at 803-324-7574 to speak with one of our attorneys. We have over 50 years proven experience in handling injury claims with favorable outcomes and know how to navigate through the process.
