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Ohio Workers’ Compensation

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Can I collect both Workers’ Compensation and SSDI in Ohio?

On Behalf of | May 20, 2015 | Social Security Disability

The federal government of the United States is almost labyrinthine in the complexity of its various branches. There are so many different divisions and programs that making sense of them all can be daunting. Many times, it may appear as if one part is unaware of what other parts are doing, which is to be expected in such a huge organization that employs so many different people. Further, it is sometimes true that spheres of responsibility overlap between departments and programs. For example, when an individual is hurt while at work, or contracts a disease due to conditions at his or her place of employment, that individual may be eligible for different benefits from the government, such as Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

So, does this mean that a person injured at work in Ohio can make more money in benefits than while on the job? Generally, the answer is “no.” According to the Ohio Bar Association (the governing body for lawyers in the state), a person hurt on the job should not be able to receive more than 80% of his or her former wages. This is to create an incentive for the worker to get back to work, if possible, once his or her medical condition is taken care of.

Further, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that anyone applying for or receiving SSDI benefits report any benefits he or she receives from another program, such as Workers’ Compensation. This includes any lump sum payment, as well as monthly income. If it is found that an SSDI recipient has given false information to the agency, that individual’s benefits may be stopped for a period of time. Thus, it is important to be accurate when filling out any benefits applications, and to timely report changes in circumstances to the SSA.

While the federal government is huge and sometimes difficult to deal with, it is an important institution that helps protect its citizens from unfortunate circumstances that could greatly affect their lives, such as a disability that renders an individual unable to work. If you are confused by, or have questions about, how other government agencies or benefits might affect your SSDI, you may want to consult an experienced Ohio disability attorney.