What are the differences between workers' compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are two distinct benefits programs designed to assist people who can no longer work or have limited ability to work due to an injury or illness. However, each program has its own requirements, benefits, and coverage. Workers’ Compensation is an insurance program that employers must purchase in order to be covered by the program. It provides financial compensation and medical care for employees injured at work or because of their employment. It is provided without consideration of the employee’s wages or the severity of the injury or illness. In Washington, employers are required to provide Workers’ Compensation for all employees. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It provides benefits to those who meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which must be considered a “total disability” with a diagnosis or expected diagnosis that is expected to be long-term and of a certain duration. To be eligible for SSDI, the person must have worked for 5 of the past 10 years and paid Social Security taxes. The primary difference between Workers’ Compensation and SSDI is that Workers’ Compensation coverage is employer-provided and requires an accident or work-related illness, while SSDI requires a disability that is both long-term and of a certain duration, as defined by the SSA, along with a certain number of years of employment and Social Security taxes paid.

Related FAQs

How do I appeal a workers' compensation decision?
What is the workers' compensation appeals process?
What is an occupational disease?
What is a grievance procedure?
How do I know if my employer is required to carry workers' compensation insurance?
Can I receive workers' compensation benefits if I am self-employed?
What is a schedule award?
What types of evidence should I present at my workers' compensation hearing?
Does workers' compensation cover mental injuries?
Are lump sum payments available for workers' compensation benefits?

What are the differences between workers' compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts