A common misconception is that someone receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits may not collect Social Security Disability benefits. This is not true.
It is very common for Workers’ Compensation recipients to also receive Social Security Disability benefits or vise versa. However, there is a formula used by the Social Security Administration in order to determine the maximum monthly amount that someone can receive including both Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability benefits. If the two combined amounts exceed that person’s limit, the Social Security Disability benefit can be reduced. This situation is called an offset. It does not apply to everyone.
In order to determine if there is an offset, Social Security performs a mathematical calculation to determine specific amounts for each individual claim.
In all circumstances where a Workers’ Compensation injury has resulted in a disability which may be permanent we encourage our clients to file for Social Security Disability benefits as well.