SSDI Benefits vs. Workers' Comp: Which Is Right for Me?

Injured workers are entitled to a few types of financial support, like workers’ compensation and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). However, determining which benefits you qualify for can be a tricky matter. In this blog, we explain some of the key differences between workers ‘comp and SSDI.

What’s the Difference?

States require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover any injuries sustained by their workers. Workers’ comp is intended to be the alternative to litigation. On the other hand, SSDI benefits are intended for people who were injured away from work but cannot work at their normal or customary job. The biggest difference between the two benefits is that workers' comp covers injuries that the employer would be liable for, while disability benefits are not actually paid through your employer, but they are still intended to help make up for lost income.

If an employer or insurance company is disputing your workers’ comp claim, the state can still provide disability payments until the dispute comes to an end. However, if you workers’ comp claim winds up being successful, the state will ask that you to pay them back. Workers’ comp benefits are paid until your condition becomes permanent or stabilizes. After your condition becomes permanent, you might be eligible to receive permanent disability benefits.

Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation & SSDI Benefits?

In some circumstances, an industrially injured worker can receive both SSDI and workers' compensation benefits. If you become disabled, expect to be disabled for more than a year, or have a terminal illness, you can use both SSDI and workers’ compensation benefits at the same time. In order to do this, you must have paid in the necessary funds to be covered under the Social Security disability system.