You may understand that you are entitled to benefits if you are hurt at work, but do you know which ones? There are a few different types of benefits that covered injured workers: workers’ compensation, Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), and state disability benefits. Figuring out which benefits you are entitled to can be tricky. The devil is truly in the details when it comes to which benefits apply to your specific injury and situation. Here are the differences between workers’ compensation and other types of benefits.
1. Workers’ Comp vs. Disability
When you are injured at work, you are offered workers’ compensation benefits as an alternative to litigation. Most state laws require that employers provide this type of insurance to every employee. State disability benefits protect you when you are injured at work and can’t perform your job as you did before your injury.
The difference between the two is that workers’ compensation covers injuries for which your employer could be held liable. Disability benefits make up for lost income. In some cases, the state will step in and pay disability benefits while you are fighting your workers’ compensation case.
2. Workers’ Comp and Disability Payments
In some cases, you may be able to draw both types of benefits. In these instances, you can expect your SSDI benefits to be partially reduced dependent upon the amount of workers’ compensation benefits you are receiving.
3. Workers’ Comp and Unemployment Payments
In general, you cannot collect workers’ comp and unemployment benefits at the same time. You may also not be able to collect unemployment and disability payments at the same time. If you are cleared for work and your employer tells you there are no jobs suited for or available to you, you may draw unemployment payments while you are looking for work.
If you have been injured at work, the professional advice of an attorney is something you may want to seek. Even if you decide not to hire an attorney to represent you, a consultation is always a good idea.
When you are dealing with workers’ compensation in Charlotte, we are here for you. Call our office today for more information about our firm and what we can do for you. First consultations are always free. Call now.
