Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability pays benefits to people who
are unable to work. Generally, to be eligible for benefits, an
individual must have worked for at least five years and have one or
more disabling medical conditions that have lasted, or are expected to
last, for more than one year. Social Security also considers an
individuals age, education and work history in determining whether the
individual can work.
An injured worker is entitled to collect Social
Security Disability benefits and workers’ compensation benefits at the
same time. The amount of the workers’ compensation benefit does not change
because of Social Security Disability. However, the amount of the
monthly Social Security Disability benefit may be reduced based on the
amount of workers’ compensation received. If an injured worker settles
the workers’ compensation claim, then an order may be prepared at the
Workers’ Compensation Court which contains language that will
typically cause the
Social Security Disability benefit to increase following Court
approval of the settlement.
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