You can get both Iowa workers’ compensation benefits and Social Security Disability benefits, if you qualify for both.
Types of Iowa Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits are paid to a worker after an injury or illness suffered at, or because of, work. There are variety of work comp benefits you may be entitled to, depending on your situation. These may include:
- Medical benefits
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
To get a better understanding of what workman’s comp benefits you qualify for, you should speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Types of Iowa Disability Benefits
There are two types of disability benefits that you may be entitled to receive: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The amount of SSD benefits you could receive is dependent on your work history. The more you paid into the system while you were working, the more you will receive if you qualify.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based benefit. It is used for those individuals who have a significant financial need and is not dependent on your work history. The maximum amount you could receive in 2018 is $750 monthly if you are single.
Receiving Benefits for Social Security and Work Comp
Getting Social Security Disability benefits is a very different process from getting workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits are awarded if you have been injured on the job. Benefits can be awarded to an injured worker if you are not able to perform that job, either temporarily or permanently.
In order to receive Social Security benefits, you must be declared disabled by the Social Security Administration. They have a very strict definition of disabled – your physical or mental impairment must limit you from doing your current job you were in, as well as any other job. Only then would you qualify to receive disability benefits.
Social Security Disability Offset: What You Should Know
Be aware that your disability benefit payments could be reduced because of something called an “offset.” If you receive more in work comp and disability benefits than 80% of the amount you earned when you were employed, your disability benefits will be reduced until they are less than 80%.
Settling your workers’ compensation claim can also be more difficult if you are receiving disability benefits because of this offset. Before you settle your case, you should make sure there is language in your settlement paperwork to address this issue.
We know all of this may sound confusing. Your best bet is to speak with a law firm who has experience in both Social Security and workers’ compensation cases.
RSH Legal has the knowledge and experience to help you with both of these types of cases. Call 1-319-774-1534 or visit our website, FightingForFairness.com, for more information.
