Social Security Disability (SSD)

Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for SSD, you must have a work history where you've paid into Social Security through FICA taxes. This program is primarily for individuals with long-term disabilities that prevent them from performing any substantial work. Eligibility is also based on your work credits, which are accumulated through paid employment.

Benefits:
SSD benefits are paid monthly and are based on your past earnings. The amount you receive depends on how much you earned during your working years and how many work credits you have accumulated.

Medical Requirements:
The SSA requires that your disability is severe enough to prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity and that it is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Medical evidence from your healthcare providers is essential for proving that your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability.

Duration of Benefits:
Once you are approved for SSD benefits, they can continue as long as your disability lasts. You may undergo periodic reviews to determine whether you are still eligible for benefits, but if your condition persists, you can continue to receive benefits until retirement age, at which point you would transition to Social Security retirement benefits.

Workers' Compensation

Eligibility Requirements:
Workers' compensation is specifically for individuals who are injured or become ill as a result of their job or work environment. It applies regardless of fault, meaning you can receive benefits even if the injury was your fault (with some exceptions).

Benefits:
Workers' compensation provides benefits for medical care related to your injury or illness, and in some cases, temporary or permanent disability benefits if you are unable to work. These benefits are typically more immediate than SSDI benefits, as they are designed to cover the expenses resulting from a work-related injury.

Medical Requirements:
To receive workers' compensation benefits, you must provide evidence that your injury or illness is work-related. This often involves medical documentation from your doctor, confirming that your condition was caused by your job or workplace activities.

Duration of Benefits:
The length of workers' compensation benefits varies. If your disability is temporary, you may receive benefits until you are able to return to work. If your disability is permanent, you may receive benefits for an extended period, sometimes for the rest of your life, depending on the severity of your condition.

Key Differences Between Social Security Disability and Workers' Compensation

Eligibility Criteria:

• Social Security Disability requires a work history and evidence that you are unable to work due to a long-term disability.
• Workers' Compensation is only available if the disability is work-related, and you don’t need to have a long work history to qualify.

Benefit Amounts:

• Social Security Disability is based on your prior earnings and the number of work credits you’ve accumulated.
• Workers' Compensation benefits are typically based on your average weekly wage or the severity of your injury, and these benefits often are lower than SSD benefits.

Duration:

• Social Security Disability can provide long-term benefits, continuing until you reach retirement age, as long as your disability persists.
• Workers' Compensation usually provides short-term benefits, but if your injury is permanent, you may receive long-term benefits.

Application Process:

• Social Security Disability requires you to file a claim with the SSA, which involves detailed medical records and proof of your inability to work.
• Workers' Compensation claims are usually filed with your employer or the insurance company covering your workplace injury, and the process may be faster than applying for SSD.

Exclusivity:

• Social Security Disability is available to anyone who meets the SSA’s criteria, including non-workers.
• Workers' Compensation is only available for job-related injuries or illnesses.