If you were injured in the workplace and become disabled (due to the work injury itself or due to a combination of the work injury and other physical conditions), you may be wondering whether you receive workers’ comp and Social Security Disability benefits at the same time. The short answer is yes — as long as you meet the requirements for benefits under both programs. However, you should also understand how the receipt of workers’ compensation might affect an award of Social Security Disability.
If you sustained a workplace injury and are currently disabled, reach out to the workers’ compensation and disability attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons today to discuss your case in detail. We can evaluate your situation, determine what compensation you might be entitled to, and help you pursue the money you need to support yourself and your loved ones. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.
Can I Receive Social Security Disability Benefits if I’m on Workers’ Compensation in Oklahoma?
Yes, you can receive Social Security Disability benefits while you are also receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Oklahoma. Social Security Disability benefits are overseen by the Social Security Administration, which is a federal program, while Oklahoma workers’ compensation benefits are regulated under the laws of the State of Oklahoma.
Almost inevitably, dealing with these two related but very distinct benefits programs will be extremely difficult, especially while you’re out of work and recovering from a painful on-the-job injury. However, an experienced attorney can advocate on your behalf while you rest and recuperate.
Does Workers’ Comp Affect Social Security Disability?
Yes. While every case is different, in most cases, the recent receipt of workers’ compensation benefits will impact, at least temporarily, the amount of benefits paid under Social Security.
How Does Workers’ Comp Affect Social Security Disability Benefits?
The receipt of workers’ compensation benefits will frequently cause your Social Security Disability benefits to at least temporarily be reduced. Calculating the amount of the potential deduction is extremely complicated. Simply stated, the combined amount of benefits you receive from workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability benefits cannot total more than 80% of the “average income” you received before you became disabled. Social Security uses a very complicated formula to determine your “average income” (known as your “ACE”). If the money you receive from both programs totals more than 80% of your ACE, then your Social Security Disability benefits may be reduced, at least temporarily. However, it is also important to note that even if your disability benefits are temporarily reduced, you will still “come out ahead” by virtue of receiving both workers’ compensation and Social Security benefits.
Additionally, you should know that there are often ways to reduce the offset of benefits and, in some cases, eliminate the offset completely. Consult with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to determine how you can minimize or eliminate the offset to your disability benefits.
Contact Our Experienced Oklahoma City Social Security Disability Attorneys Today
If you are currently receiving workers’ compensation for a workplace injury and you’re wondering if you can also collect Social Security Disability benefits, then contact Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons. You can discuss your case with an experienced workers’ compensation and disability lawyer. We offer free consultations, which means it won’t cost you anything to learn the answers to your questions.
Contact us today, online or by phone, for your free case review. We provide one-on-one attention and compassionate representation to every client.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
