Eligibility Requirements

• Social Security Disability (SSD): Social Security Disability is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To qualify for SSD benefits, you must have worked in jobs that were covered by Social Security and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. You also need to have a disability that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. The SSDI eligibility criteria focus on your work history, your earnings, and your disability's impact on your ability to work.
• Workers' Compensation: Workers' compensation is a state-administered program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job. Unlike SSD, workers' compensation is not dependent on your work history or the length of time you've worked, but rather on the cause of the injury or illness. If your condition or injury occurred at the workplace or as a result of work-related duties, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, regardless of your employment history.

Types of Benefits

• Social Security Disability (SSD): SSD benefits provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. The amount of benefits you receive depends on your work history and the amount of Social Security taxes you have paid over the years. SSD benefits are typically provided monthly and may also include medical coverage through Medicare after a two-year waiting period.
• Workers' Compensation: Workers' compensation typically provides both wage replacement and medical benefits. Wage replacement is a portion of your lost wages, which can vary depending on the state and the severity of the injury or illness. In addition, workers' compensation covers medical expenses related to the injury or illness, such as doctor visits, surgeries, and medications. Some states may also offer vocational rehabilitation if the injury prevents you from returning to your previous job.

The Nature of the Injury or Illness

• Social Security Disability (SSD): SSD is available for a wide range of disabilities, both physical and mental. These disabilities must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Examples include chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, mental health conditions, and neurological disorders. The key factor is that the disability must severely limit your ability to perform daily activities and work tasks.
• Workers' Compensation: Workers' compensation is specifically for injuries or illnesses that are work-related. These can include accidents such as slips, falls, or machinery injuries, as well as diseases or conditions caused by workplace factors, such as repetitive motion injuries or exposure to harmful substances. Unlike SSD, workers' compensation does not require that the injury be permanent or long-term, just that it is related to work.

Application Process

• Social Security Disability (SSD): The application process for SSD can be lengthy and complex. You must fill out an application with the Social Security Administration, submit detailed medical documentation of your disability, and prove that you are unable to work due to your condition. The SSA evaluates claims through a multi-step process, and many initial claims are denied. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal.
• Workers' Compensation: Applying for workers' compensation is generally faster than applying for SSD. If you are injured on the job, you typically need to notify your employer immediately and file a workers' compensation claim with your state’s workers' compensation board or commission. The process tends to be more straightforward, but the employer’s insurance company will evaluate the claim. If the claim is disputed, it may go to a workers' compensation board or court for resolution.

Duration of Benefits

• Social Security Disability (SSD): SSD benefits continue as long as you remain disabled and meet the eligibility criteria. These benefits can last for many years, and in some cases, may continue until you reach retirement age, at which point you will transition to Social Security retirement benefits. However, your condition will periodically be reviewed to determine if you are still eligible.
• Workers' Compensation: Workers' compensation benefits are typically limited to a certain period of time and are often tied to the severity of your injury or illness. Benefits may be paid until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) or are able to return to work. If your injury is severe and results in long-term disability, you may continue to receive benefits, but this depends on your state's specific workers' compensation laws.