Normally, your private disability insurance benefits will not affect your ability to receive Social Security disability. Private disability plans are viewed as an insurance policy and your eligibility to receive benefits under these policies will not affect your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. It should be noted however, that some private insurers may require you to apply for Social Security benefits, and may reduce the benefits paid under your private insurance policy based upon what you receive from Social Security. Review you policy to determine whether this applies to you.
Workers’ compensation benefits on the other hand, can reduce the amount of your benefits under Social Security. These benefits are paid by State or Federal workers’ compensation agencies. If you receive workers’ compensation (or other public disability benefits), the total amount received between the other benefit and Social Security Disability benefits cannot exceed 80 percent of the amount you were earning prior to your disability.
Some other benefit programs are considered when determining your Social Security benefit amount. These programs include Veterans’ Administration benefits, and state of local government benefits which have had Social Security taxes withheld.
