What’s the Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and Disability?

If you cannot work due to a work-related illness or injury, you could be in a serious financial predicament, especially if there are bills to pay and medical expenses are adding up. 

Many people wonder about the various benefits available, including the difference between workers’ compensation and disability. It is important to know the differences to determine how you will get maximum financial assistance. 

After a disabling job-related injury that keeps you out of work, always consult a Meridian, Idaho workers’ compensation attorney from Andrew Injury Law. We can protect your financial future.

The Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and Disability Benefits: Overview

Below is an overview of the similarities and differences between workers’ compensation and disability benefits.

Similarities

• Disability benefits and workers’ compensation both provide support and monetary payments to workers who have suffered disabling illness or injuries. 
• Workers’ compensation and disability benefits depend on the employee’s occupation and how the injury affects their work abilities. In both instances, the benefits typically cover a portion of an employee’s wages while the worker cannot return to their job.

Differences:

• Workers’ compensation covers an employee’s injuries that are job-related. On the other hand, disability benefits cover any disabling condition someone suffers that prevents them from working. The cause does not have to be work-related.
• Disability benefits are based on nationwide standards, while workers’ comp depends on state-by-state laws. 
• The employer’s insurance provider typically covers workers comp. However, disability benefits are covered through the federal government or private insurance policies.
• Workers’ compensation coverage starts immediately following an illness or injury. Typically, private disability coverage will also be available; however, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits generally necessitate a more in-depth application process. 
• Workers’ comp benefits will pay for all reasonable and necessary health-related expenses relating to occupational illness or injury, with no limitation or deductible. Disability does not provide direct medical coverage, but monthly amounts you can use as you choose. 

These differences do not indicate that one type of benefits are generally better for an injured employee. However, injured workers should know they might need to pursue multiple types of benefits, which may offset one another. 

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May I Receive Federal Social Security Disability Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Simultaneously?

Yes. If you receive workers’ compensation benefits following a workplace illness or occupational injury, you may also be able to collect Federal Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if you qualify for the program. However, one program might reduce your usual benefits by a certain amount because you are receiving other supplemental benefits, which is called “offsetting” benefits.

May I Receive Unemployment Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Benefits at the Same Time?

Sometimes, employers might terminate an employee when they cannot immediately return to work. There is no law in Idaho that prevents a terminated employee from receiving both workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits if they qualify for both. However, if you cannot work in the future due to a disability, you might not qualify for unemployment. Your lawyer or the Idaho Department of Labor can help you determine your unemployment eligibility.

Need Help With Workers’ Comp or Disability Benefits? Talk to a Meridian Work Injury Attorney

Are you in need of help with workers’ comp benefits? Understanding how benefits can be interwoven – or not – is important in navigating the system best to maximize your benefits. So, speak to Andrew Injury Lawyers in Meridian, Idaho, today for a confidential and free legal consultation. Contact our office now.

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