Justin had sustained a serious back injury while working and had been collecting Workers Compensation benefits for about one year. Despite several surgeries, Justins back was not better and it appeared unlikely that he bcould return to work at any type of gainful employment. To further complicate matters, Justin had also developed other problems involving his shoulder as well as heart issues. ISSUE: Justin wondered whether he could apply for Social Security since he was already receiving Workers Compensation benefits. ANSWER: Yes. Social Security is a Federal program that provides benefits for the disabled, regardless of the cause of the disability. Workers Compensation is a state program that provides payment of wage loss benefits and medical expenses related to work-related injuries. Social Security uses a different standard and will take into consideration all of Justins problems regardless of whether they are work related or not. Thus his heart condition and his shoulder condition will also be considered in determining whether Justin is entitled to Social Security benefits. If Social Security finds that Justin was disabled retroactive to the date of his work injury, Justin will be entitled to Medicare coverage on his non-work related medical bills as well. However, Medicare coverage kicks in 2 years after the date one is found to be disabled for Social Security purposes. Justins monthly Social Security check will be reduced since he is collecting Workers Compensation benefits as the Federal Government gets a credit to a certain extent for those benefits. farm2.static.flickr/1078/992938851_e96f44a0db_m.jpg
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 13:35:42 +0000
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