It is clear that some work industries are more dangerous than others. Some workers in New Jersey are faced with risks such as workplace injuries and illnesses. While these might be known risks or not, when they occur they can greatly alter a persons ability to function, work and enjoy life. Thus, when an individual is disabled because of a work injury, it is vital to understand what recourses are available to you and what benefits you could recover.
When a worker is injured, state workers’ compensation programs step in to provide certain cash benefits and medical-care benefits for this work-related injury. However, many do not realize that if there is a residual disability following a workplace injury, he or she might be eligible for Social Security disability benefits and Medicare benefits.
Although workers’ compensation and SSDI are two programs that compensate and help those who are dealing with a disabling injury, the lack of understanding when it comes to these two programs and how they interact could impact a person’s ability to enjoy the benefits he or she is afforded.
Workers’ compensation benefits cover all necessary medical care related to the workplace injury. However, most workers’ compensation cases provide compensation for only medical costs. Thus, if an injured worker is experiencing a long-term disability, it is important to explore other programs that could help offset the losses and financial burdens caused by the work injury. Social Security disability benefits provide a modest monthly payment that is used to cover a person’s basic needs. This includes food, shelter and clothing.
When a worker is injured, a person automatically thinks of workers’ compensation benefits. However, injured workers are able to recover more benefits than just workers’ comp. Social Security disability benefits could be very beneficial for a disabled worker, making it imperative that they understand how to apply and how this process works.