What is the difference between workers’ comp and disability benefits?

There are different types of benefits available to people who can’t work due to an illness, injury or other condition. The key is understanding which one is appropriate for you.

Most employers in Georgia are required by state law to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Workers’ comp has been in place in the U.S. for more than a century as a way to help protect employees who are injured while performing their job duties. Anyone who is injured or becomes sick at work can file a workers’ comp claim to cover the cost of their medical expenses and wages that are lost due to time away from work. A janitor who slips and falls while mopping the floor, or a factory worker who inhales toxic fumes or a receptionist who is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, are all eligible for workers’ compensation benefits until they recover can go back to work.

The main difference between workers’ compensation and Social Security disability benefits is that SSDI is not limited to a work-related injury or illness. SSDI can help if someone is permanently unable to work because of his or her condition, if they have been out of work for over one year or if the condition will ultimately result in death. There is a lot of red tape to cut, however, as SSDI is mandated by the federal government. Because of that, the requirements to qualify are lengthy at best. There are specific requirements one must meet to be eligible, and most people are denied a few times at first. Someone who suffers from debilitating migraine headaches, chronic mental illness or a permanent injury from a auto accident might be eligible for Social Security disability payments every month. Sick or injured people who have limited financial resources or work history might qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits, also known as SSI.

Whether you qualify for workers’ compensation, Social Security disability benefits or Social Security Income benefits, you should consider seeking the assistance of an attorney skilled in handling those types of cases. That way, you can be certain you are receiving the amount of benefits you need to provide and care for yourself and your loved ones.

The experienced Social Security disability and workers’ compensation lawyers at Murphy & Garner, LLC have decades of experience handling disability cases and will fight for the compensation you deserve. For your free consultation call us today at 678-563-1584, or visit us online.

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