Workers in Ohio who suffer debilitating injuries will want to know about their eligibility for benefits that will provide financial relief when they are unable to return to work. There are two options. Workers’ compensation typically covers medical expenses for a period of temporary disability. Social Security Disability Insurance can be claimed even if workers qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
While workers’ compensation is a state-regulated program, SSDI is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration. Eligibility for one does not affect eligibility for the other. However, a worker will only qualify for SSDI if the work-related injury will prevent him or her from working for at least 12 months, or if the condition is expected to cause death. A worker who suffered an injury or illness that caused partial disability will not qualify for SSDI. For that reason, some injured workers might not qualify for benefits from both programs.
Qualifying for workers’ compensation will not affect the chances of also receiving SSDI. Workers’ comp programs vary from one state to the next. While SSDI could pay permanent or long-term benefits, workers’ compensation typically provides financial assistance until the injured worker has recovered and is ready to return to work.
Dealing with the claims proceedings while injured could be a daunting task. For that reason, many injured workers in Ohio choose to seek an attorney’s support and guidance. Legal counsel with experience in dealing with both Social Security Disability Insurance and workers’ compensation insurance can explain how the programs work and determine eligibility before proceeding with the navigation of benefits claims.