Are Workers’ Compensation and Social Security the Same? Major Ways These 2 Programs can Help Workers
Workers’ compensation and social security are both options available to those physically unable to work.
Workers’ compensation and social security are two completely different forms of payment for injured workers.
One of the main differences is that workers’ compensation is a state-based program that strictly covers injuries and illness caused by your job. Social security is a federal program that can cover long-term injuries and illness not necessarily related to work.
Getting injured on the job or being unable to work can be life-altering. Not only is it physically painful to your body, but you may be left unable to work. If you cannot work, you will not receive a paycheck.
Thankfully, workers’ compensation and social security can help workers.
Workers’ compensation is paid to employees by the employers.
Employees typically receive two-thirds of their standard income under workers’ compensation rules. Laws are overseen in California by the State of California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Remember, workers’ compensation is only for injuries and illness specifically caused by your job. For example, a construction worker who falls into a ditch without proper warning signs may qualify for a claim.
Other frequent causes of a workers’ compensation injury include:
- Slipping on wet surfaces
- Tripping over loose wires or other debris
- Falling from extreme heights
- Construction site accidents
- Overexertion
- Fatigue
- Driving accidents
- Falling objects
- Moving heavy objects
Social security is designed to help an injured person unable to work with their living expenses.
Social security can help those with more long-term disabilities not related to a workplace injury. The Social Security Administration defines a qualifying disability under the following rules:
- You cannot do work and engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of your medical condition.
- You cannot do work you did previously, or adjust to other work, because of your medical condition.
- Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 1 year, or to result in death.
For example, a traumatic brain injury suffered as the result of a car accident that limits your cognitive thinking may qualify for a claim.
You can apply for both workers’ compensation and social security, and receive them both in some situations.
However, it can be more difficult to get them simultaneously. Many injured workers’ will apply for workers’ compensation first, since the benefits generally arrive quicker.
Whether you apply for workers’ compensation, social security benefits, or both will all depend on the circumstances surrounding your injury.
Workers’ compensation and social security are two complex programs. Qualifying for one or the other is dependent on many different variables.
Understanding what makes someone eligible for workers’ compensation and social security can be confusing and time-consuming. It may seem like too much, and a workers’ compensation claim may be settled for less than you deserve.
Hiring an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation and social security can be a great benefit. At C&B Law Group, we have a team dedicated to easing the process of your workers compensation and workplace injury case.
Our Burbank attorneys can help direct you down the right path. We vow to give our clients a much needed simple and straightforward explanation of possible benefits.
Your attorney will collect evidence to build a solid case, including photos, videos, witness reports, and medical records or information about your injury.
Your attorney will negotiate to obtain the maximum possible compensation for your case. Our team will manage all details relating to your claim, allowing you to focus on getting back on the road to recovery.
If you were injured at work, or have an injury that prevents you from working, contact our Los Angeles injury attorneys today. Your initial consultation is free, and you won’t pay us until we win your case.
Reach out today to discuss your work-related injury.
