Here at Greeman Toomey Law Office we practice solely in the area of Social Security disability, but Social Security is not the only type of disability program out there. Actually, depending on someone’s situation, a person could be qualified to not only receive Social Security disability, but also other types of disability pay. Considering Social Security provides just a portion of what a disabled worker made before they became disabled, eligibility for an additional disability program is welcome considering there may be additional income, but don’t expect any financial windfalls because there are rules in place for most additional programs that prevent those seeking to double dip their benefits. Below we look at two other types of disability programs and the basic rules that are considered.
Long Term Disability (LTD)
This type of program is usually offered through an employer that would pay periodic payments to an employer who becomes disabled and unable to work. People can also purchase their own types of LTD plans. This is a great program to replace lost wages fast, but be prepared if you end up receiving Social Security disability payments. Most LTD plans require beneficiaries to apply for Social Security disability and if the beneficiary is awarded Social Security past-due benefits, the LTD is authorized to be reimbursed for payments issued to the plan’s recipient.
Worker’s Compensation
Worker’s compensation benefits pay worker’s who suffer injuries on the job and are unable to return to a work level prior to the injury occurring. Again, worker’s compensation benefits are welcome, but combining them with Social Security benefits does not allow for double benefit pay. Rules are in place that indicates someone who receives worker’s compensation and Social Security disability benefits at the same time cannot receive payments that equate to more than 80 percent of what the worker’s income was while he was working.
Disability programs are important to provide for those who cannot work any longer, but few times will these programs get back the full income they earned while working.
