What is the Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and Disability Benefits?
When you are injured and unable to work, you may be worried about how you will support your family. You may also be confused about the types of compensation you may be eligible for as you recuperate. You’re unsure whether you qualify for workers’ compensation, state disability or Social Security disability payments. Before filing for any type of compensation it is important to understand he differences between them.
Workers’ Compensation
When you are injured at work, your employer is required to provide you with worker’s compensation coverage according to Pennsylvania law, which is designed to pay your lost wages, medical bills and some other expenses related to your recuperation. However, workers’ compensation only covers you for expenses that your employer is liable for, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a broken bone after a workplace fall.
State and Federal Disability Benefits
If you are unable to work for any reason, you may qualify for state and federal disability benefits. State benefits are payable for a maximum of 52 weeks while, if you qualify, federal benefits may have no limit. Federal benefits are paid as part of the Social Security Administration and benefits are determined based on what you have paid into the system over the years. In order to qualify for federal disability, you will must be disabled for at least a year and one day or have a terminal illness. You may also be able to collect both state and federal benefits at the same time.
Collecting Worker’s Compensation and Disability
In some cases, you may be able to receive both disability and workers’ compensation benefits. However, there is a possibility that your disability may be reduced by the amount you receive from the state or from workers’ compensation. It is also possible your company offers long- or short-term disability benefits which will provide you with lost wages should you be unable to work, even if the injury is not work-related.
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, or has suffered an injury off the job and cannot work, contact the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers Lundy Law today to learn what rights you may have. Our attorneys will simply review your case and work to get you the compensation you are entitled to under the law. You can arrange for your initial consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing the simple form on our website.
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