How Social Security Disability Impacts Connecticut Workers’ Compensation

If you’ve been hurt at work, you may qualify for both workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Each program provides important support, but they follow different rules and receiving both at once can impact how much you actually take home.

Here’s what you need to know about how these benefits interact in Connecticut.

Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut

Workers’ compensation provides medical coverage and lost wage benefits if you’re injured on the job. You don’t need to prove your employer was at fault—if the injury is work-related, you may qualify. These benefits are usually the first financial lifeline while you recover.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?

SSDI is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to people who can’t work due to a serious, long-term disability. Unlike workers’ compensation, SSDI doesn’t require your condition to be work-related. Instead, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, which is a high standard.

How the Two Benefits Work Together

It’s possible to receive both workers’ comp and SSDI, but there’s a catch. Federal law limits the total amount you can receive from both programs to 80 percent of your prior average earnings. If your combined benefits are higher, your SSDI will be reduced until the total falls below that threshold.

This is called an offset, and it can come as a surprise if you’re not prepared.

Why Timing Matters

The order in which you apply for benefits matters. Workers’ compensation usually provides faster relief, so it’s often pursued first. SSDI can provide longer-term stability, but the application process takes more time and has stricter requirements. Planning the timing of your claims helps protect your income.

Strategies to Protect Your Benefits

The way a workers’ comp settlement is structured can influence how much SSDI you’ll actually receive. When it comes time to settle your workers’ compensation claim, it is important that there is inclusion of specific language, often called “Social Security Language,” in the stipulation (settlement) paperwork to help protect the amount you receive from SSDI. These decisions require careful legal handling to make sure you aren’t leaving money on the table.

Other Considerations: Health Coverage

SSDI also affects your health insurance. After two years of SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare. Coordinating workers’ compensation coverage with future Medicare eligibility helps ensure you don’t face gaps in care.

Final Thoughts

The interaction between Social Security Disability and workers’ compensation is complex, and the way you approach it can have a major impact on your financial stability.

At Sousa Law, we help injured workers across Connecticut navigate these challenges and secure the benefits they deserve. If you have questions about how SSDI may affect your workers’ compensation claim, call us today at (203) 923-8283 for a free consultation.