Work Injuries and Your Eligibility for Disability Benefits

Private industry employers reported around 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2017 — that’s about 2.8 cases for every 100 full-time workers. These statistics are shocking: Thousands of people are injured at work every single day, usually through no fault of their own.

If you’ve ever worked in the construction industry, you are well aware of the risks. Heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, electrical wires, you name it — construction sites can be a dangerous place. But what happens if you experience an injury at work? What benefits can you claim from the government? Read on to find out.

There are two main benefits you can claim when you are injured at work: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefit paid by the federal government to disabled adults who have a work-related injury. Contrary to popular opinion, you won’t receive funds based on the severity of your disability. If the Social Security Administration(SSA) accepts your SSDI claim, you will receive money based on your average lifetime earnings before your injury.

Applying for SSDI isn’t easy. Make a simple mistake on your application form, and the government could delay or even reject your claim. Shockingly, the SSA rejects 67 percent of all disability claims on the first application. This means only one in three people who apply for disability benefits will receive funds in the first instance. Many people choose to appeal their rejection, but this can be a long and laborious process.

This is where a good lawyer comes in. Using a Social Security disability expert will help you claim the right benefits in your circumstances. One of these professionals could increase your chances of being accepted for benefits by the SSA. You could receive around $1,200 per month or more in disability payments.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another benefit you claim from the federal government if you have a work-related injury from your construction job. Like SSDI, SSI provides you with the funds you need to cover everyday living expenses while you are unable to work.

There are several eligibility requirements for filing SSI online. You need to be 18-65, for example. Alternatively, you can claim SSI at your nearest Social Security office.

There are many reasons why the SSA might reject your SSI claim — if you have skills and training that would allow you to take on a different job, for example. This is why it’s imperative that you talk to a disability benefits lawyer before you file your claim. One of these professionals will consider your training, experience, and medical condition and help you claim the right benefit.

SSDI and SSI are the two main benefits you can claim if you are injured at work. Approval rates for both of these benefits are low at first application. If you want to improve your chances of securing disability benefits, talk to The Good Law Group today. A friendly member of the SSD/SSI Legal team can help you with your SSDI or SSI case and provide you with expert legal advice.