For some individuals in New Jersey, he or she has been disabled since birth due to a birth injury, birth defect or a genetic condition or disorder. Others acquire a disability later in life. Specifically, a person is disabled because of an event, such as an accident. Due to the dangers faced in some work environments, a workplace injury is a growing cause for individuals suffering from disabilities.
According to the Social Security Administration, a large proportion of disability in the U.S. is caused by injuries suffered in the workplace. While state workers’ comp programs can provide much need benefits and assistance after a worker becomes disabled, this is not the only program some disabled workers are entitled to and eligible for.
Those workers with residual disabilities from a workplace accident may also be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI. While workers’ comp provides medical and cash benefits to workers injured on-the-job, this may not be enough. For the most part, workers’ comp benefits are provided without contest. SSD benefits, on the other hand, cover only eligible disabilities. Thus, the worker applying for these benefits has to meet the strict definition of disability.
This means that the disability is expected to last at least 12 months or end in their death. However, unlike workers’ compensation benefits, SSD benefits are available to individuals and their families only after the disabled party has established a sufficient work history. This means that a worker must have worked a certain amount of years before enjoying these benefits.
Being injured in the workplace is anything but an easy event to endure. If a workplace accident has rendered a worker disabled, it is important that they consider their rights and eligibility for SSD benefits in conjunction with workers’ compensation benefits.
