Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and workers’ compensation are programs which provide people who are unable to work with a source of income — but the similarities end there. These three types of compensation differ in the resources they provide, who qualifies for each program, and how the benefits are received.
There are some instances in which one person may qualify for more than one of these programs. It is a common misconception that people who are eligible for SSD and another type of benefits are limited to one resource, but that is not true.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for Benefits?
SSD, SSI, and workers’ compensation each have their own requirements for qualification. At the base level, SSD is intended for people with disabilities who have contributed to the Social Security program, SSI is for people with disabilities who are aged 65 and older, and workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who were injured on the job.
Beyond these basic requirements, there are other eligibility factors for each of these programs. For example, an SSD applicant must have a certain amount of “work credits” to qualify, which are earned through employment. A workers’ compensation claimant must be able to prove that their injuries are work-related. Although it is possible to receive multiple types of benefits, they are separate programs with their own unique terms.
How Do I Recover All of the Benefits I am Entitled to?
The first step to getting your benefits is applying. If you are qualified for multiple programs, you should be able to begin receiving benefits as you would if you were only eligible for one. If you believe that you qualify for two types of benefits, do not avoid applying for one program because you are unsure if you will be selected for both. You cannot be denied benefits based solely on the fact that you are receiving another type of benefit.
To learn more about the benefits you may be entitled to, and to speak with someone who can help you recover those benefits, contact Smolich and Smolich. We can evaluate the details of your case to identify what you should be able to receive, and determine if the denial was unjust. Whether you are beginning the application process or were faced with a denial of benefits, our lawyers can represent you and protect your rights to Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, and/or workers’ compensation.
Schedule a free consultation with our attorneys using our contact form, or by calling us at (916) 571-0400.