Worker’s compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance — SSDI — benefits provide vital financial support to workers who are unable to work due to an injury or serious illness. While these programs share some similarities, there are critical differences that make one more suitable than the other in certain situations. If you’ve suffered an accident or developed a medical condition as a result of your working conditions, getting all the benefits you’re entitled to depends on understanding the difference between worker’s compensation and SSDI.

The Differences Between Social Security Disability & Worker’s Compensation

The Worker’s Compensation Program

Worker’s compensation insurance is designed specifically for employees who are injured in work-related accidents or develop medical conditions as a result of their job conditions. In addition to all necessary medical treatment, injured workers are also entitled to weekly cash benefits until they’re able to resume their job duties. These benefits may be short-term, covering only a few weeks, or long-term if the worker has been permanently disabled or contracted a terminal illness.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Like worker’s compensation, SSDI provides health care and income replacement benefits to those unable to maintain full-time employment as a result of their medical condition. However, this program is only intended to cover long-term disabilities lasting one year or more, or which will likely result in death. SSDI also covers all impairments, whether or not they are work-related, although the qualification process is often much longer and more complex than obtaining worker’s compensation benefits. In some situations, injured workers may be able to collect both SSDI and worker’s compensation if they’ve suffered a permanent disability.
 

Navigating the claims process after a work-related injury can be confusing and complex, which is why Georgia’s Ben Hill County trusts the Law Offices of Terrence J. Paulk, PC. This legal team has been serving clients throughout the area for over 30 years and has the resources and skills to identify which program is best for you and ensure you get the benefits you deserve. Visit their website or Facebook for more on how they can help, and call (229) 423-8783 to schedule your free initial consultation today.